Brighton Sets Up for a Shining Future

The lightly raced Brighton (NZ) (Buffalo Man) added black-type to his pedigree after winning the Listed $50,000 Buffalo & Co. Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Brighton (NZ) wins the Listed Buffalo & Co. Champagne Stakes. Photo courtesy of Trish Dunell.

The two-year-old is the first of Totara Park sire Buffalo Man’s offspring to win at stakes level and Brighton now heads as the sires leading progeny.

The Nigel Tiley trained colt was unplaced in his first trial at Avondale, earlier in the season, followed by a second trial where he placed fourth before making his debut run just three weeks ago, placing third over 1200m at Avondale.

“It was a good effort,” commented Tiley. “He did what I expected him to do and I knew he would be very strong at the finish.

“His first-up run was very good and he had improved in the stable since then. I wasn’t surprised to see him win to be honest.

“I plan to run him in the Great Northern Foal Stakes which runs on 23 May over 1400m.”

Leith Innes rode Brighton from barrier 11, settling towards the rear of the field to the inside of Royal Raine (NZ) (Thorn Park). As the field travelled into the turn for home, Brighton made ground, driving forward through the 12-horse field.

Racing up the straight, Brighton kicked on to sweep past the leader Girlsarebackintown (NZ) (Murtajill), sprinting ahead for a two-and-a-quarter-length victory over San Miguel (NZ) (Pins) who ranged up for second place and finishing in third place was Girlsarebackintown, fashioning a Karaka trifecta.

Breaking his maiden status with a stakes win, Brighton has increased his earnings $30,700 for his owners of The Longtail Trust and The Scanlan Trust.

The two-year-old colt was purchased at the 2014 Karaka Festival Sale for $8,500 by The White Street Trust from Totara Park Stud.

Bred by Totara Park Stud, Brighton is out of Gore Bay (Danehill Dancer) who is the dam to four foals, all winners. He is a full-brother to Huruni-Lion Wave (Sing.) (Buffalo Man) who ran fourth in the Listed Welcome Stakes.