Another Big Wellington Stakes Result for Waikato Stud

The $100,000 Group Three Jennian Homes Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki is proving to be a rewarding race for renowned Karaka yearling vendors Waikato Stud.

Last year’s edition of the three-year-old race was won by Waikato Stud graduate Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci), and the 2025 renewal on Sunday was taken out by Ammirati (NZ) (Savabeel). Not only is Ammirati a graduate of Waikato’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2024, the stud will also offer his full-brother at Karaka 2026.

Ammirati went into the Wellington Stakes on the back of a stylish last-start maiden win at Rotorua on November 16. Trainer Stephen Marsh had no hesitation in stepping him straight up into stakes company, and that confidence in the son of Savabeel was well placed.

Rider Matt Cartwright unleashed Ammirati out of midfield and was gaining ground on the favourite Road To Paris (NZ) (Circus Maximus) when that rival shied at the finish line and veered to the right. Ammirati was severely impeded but managed to hold on to win by a nose and a nose from the strong-finishing Tulsa King (NZ) (Staphanos) and Landman (NZ) (Hello Youmzain).

“It’s a funny old game,” Marsh’s stable representative and bloodstock manager Dylan Johnson said.

“It was a good performance from the horse. He was under a bit of pressure from the 600 metres, but he just kept finding and he was actually starting to pick the favourite up in that last little bit before everything happened. It’s an unusual way to win the race, but it’ll go in the book.

“JML Bloodstock have been unbelievable supporters of the stable, and it’s been great to pick up a couple of Group Three wins for them in the last week or so with Ardalio (NZ) (Ardrossan) and now this horse.

“Ammirati seems to be getting better and better. Stephen and I mentioned to Lib (Petagna) and Bruce (Perry) after his last win that he’s potentially the type of horse that could get through to a New Zealand Derby (Group One, 2400m). The way he raced today and kept coming at them late, it gives us confidence to carry on that way.

“It’s just great to have success in these colours. They put so much into New Zealand racing, and it’s nice to see the people that really stump up get the returns.”

Ammirati was bought by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for $450,000 from Waikato Stud's Karaka 2024. The up-and-comer’s six-start career has so far produced two wins and $73,305 in stakes.

Waikato Stud’s full-brother to Ammirati will go through the Karaka sale ring as Lot 467 during Book 1 of Karaka 2026. Book 1 will be held on 25 and 26 January.

Vendor	Waikato Stud Ltd
Purchaser	Bruce Perry Bloodstock (BAFNZ) (Wellington)
Breeding	Savabeel – Happily
Sale	Lot 117, Karaka 2024 Book 1, $450,000
Breeder	Hawridge Developments Ltd, Jamieson Park Ltd & JML Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr: L Petagna)
Owner	Waikato Stud Ltd