Melody Belle (NZ) Equals Group One Record

A few days after the fifth anniversary of her $57,500 purchase at Karaka 2016 by Te Akau’s David Ellis, Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) has raced into New Zealand sporting history.

The mighty mare recorded the 13^th Group One victory of her sparkling career in Saturday’s $200,000 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham, equalling the New Zealand record held by the legendary Sunline (NZ) (Desert Sun).

“I remember watching Sunline’s win in Hong Kong and a couple of Cox Plates,” trainer Jamie Richards said.

“She was the mare of the world, whereas we’ve done the job mainly in New Zealand, but it’s still very good for her to get up there and equal that record. I’m really proud of her, and she’s done a wonderful job for my career. She was bought by David Ellis and syndicated by John Galvin, and she’s flown the flag for all of us.”

She was ridden on Saturday by Opie Bosson, who has never been beaten in seven New Zealand races on the superstar mare. The pair also won the Group One Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) together in Melbourne.

In a race that was run slower than expected, with a couple of traditional front-runners dropping back, Melody Belle settled into a comfortable rhythm in fifth spot.

Bosson released the brakes in the straight and Melody Belle’s class and competitiveness shone through, slowly but surely finishing over the top of a gallant Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma) to score by a length and a half.

“There wasn’t much pace, but she relaxed beautifully and then I just wanted to get her out into the best part of the track in the straight,” Bosson said. “She just loves to win and never wants to lay down. She’s unbelievable. She’s got us out of a lot of trouble. She’s special.”

It was the 18^th win of Melody Belle’s 36-start career, and it lifted her past $4.1 million in stakes for owners the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate. She has earned more than 71 times her purchase price.

“She didn’t win by a big space today, but still got there relatively comfortably,” Richards said. “She was first-up today and still has a lot of improvement in terms of her fitness.

“Her competitiveness and soundness over the years has really stood to her. She’s a fierce competitor and loves doing the job. I can’t thank everybody enough.”

Melody Belle will have her chance to take sole ownership of New Zealand’s Group One record when she lines up in he $400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 13.

Vendor	Haunui Farm
Purchaser	Mr DC Ellis (Te Akau)
Breeding	Commands – Meleka Belle
Sale	Lot 395, 2016 Premier Sale, $57,500
Bred by	Mrs N M Leicester