28 Aug 2024Ocean Park three-year-old Richard And I hasn’t wasted any time in opening his winning account.
Our homebred had finished fourth in his Ruakaka debut and seamlessly made the transition to all-weather track at Cambridge to bolt home by four lengths over 1300 metres in the hands of Craig Grylls.
“He’s a nice horse and has always showed a lot, right from his first trial,” trainer Andrew Forsman said.
“He’s bred to take a bit of time, but he’s proved he’s sharp. We’ll take it race by race and he’s done well since his trip away to Ruakaka so there’s no reason to stop now.”
Richard And I jumped well to settle in second spot away from the fence before hitting the front at the top of the straight and let down strongly to win with authority.
He was bought out of our New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft by bloodstock agent Bevan Smith for $70,000.
He is the first winner for the former top sprinting mare Untamed Diamond, who we purchased at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale for A$200,000.
A daughter of Snitzel, she won seven races up to 1200 metres including the Listed Waikato Sprint Handicap.
Sadly, Untamed Diamond has passed away and her last foal is a juvenile colt by Almanzor named Argo who was knocked down to Tony Pike at Karaka last year for $80,000.