Reprobate (NZ) Lands Another NZB Mega Maiden for Lines

There have now been three winners of NZB Mega Maiden Series bonuses this spring, and two of them have carried the white and red colours of prominent owner and racing industry supporter Terry Lines.

Reprobate (NZ) (Ace High) became the third bonus winner with his victory in Wednesday’s $18,500 NZB Mega Maiden Series (1335m) at Gore. His success came seven days after another Lines-owned runner, Suavetta (NZ) (Almanzor), scored at Pukekohe.

The Mega Maiden Series, which kicked off with a win by Tristar (NZ) (Exceedance) at Taupo in September, is an exciting new initiative created by NZB in partnership with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Entain. It comprises 40 non-Saturday maiden races around New Zealand throughout the season, and any Karaka Millions-eligible winner of one of those races will earn a $20,000 bonus for their owner and $5,000 for their trainer.

Reprobate was bought for $80,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2022, then was later secured by Terry, Jane and Connor Lines for $5,750 on Gavelhouse.com in January of this year. The gelding’s 10-start career has produced a win and three placings, earning $20,280 in stakes in addition to Wednesday’s lucrative bonus.

The Kelvin Tyler-trained Reprobate was sent out as a clear favourite for Wednesday’s race on the strength of his last-start second placing at Wingatui on Friday, and the result was never in doubt after the four-year-old swooped around the outside and hit the lead at the home turn. Reprobate and jockey Yogesh Atchamah asserted their superiority down the straight, pulling away to win by two lengths.

“This race was his target,” Tyler said. “It was fortunate that he ran second at Wingatui and picked up enough rating points to get into this race today. There’s not many times a plan comes off as well as this one did, so I’m relieved.

“The horse did well in the few days between those two runs. I was pretty sure he’d run well today. His experience was an advantage – in fields with a lot of inexperienced horses, the more experienced ones have a good ability to put themselves in the right spots. It’s a very good result and I’m relieved.”

The next stop in the NZB Mega Maiden Series is at New Plymouth on Friday.