Two-time Karaka Graduate Speech Craft Wins Hallmark Stud Handicap

Speech Craft (Oratorio), who has twice been sold at the Karaka sales complex, picked up the biggest win of his career at Ellerslie on Boxing Day when he claimed the $60,000 Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap (1200m).

Ridden by Jonathan Riddell and trained by his wife Trina, the eight-year-old gelding produced a withering late burst to win by a head in a blanket finish. The favourite Snowdrop (NZ) (Pins) finished second, with Biggin Hill (NZ) (Falvelon) third.

Bred by Bob Emery, Speech Craft was originally sold at the 2010 Select Sale where Collett Racing Stables bought him for $240,000.

He won four races and more than $80,000 for trainer Richard Collett and owner Gerald Shand before returning to Karaka last year for the National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale. Jonathan and Trina Riddell bought him for $5,500.

Speech Craft has won another three races since then, earning another $80,000 for his new connections.

“He’s a lovely horse and full credit to Trina,” Jonathan Riddell said. “She picked him out at the sales, paid nothing for him and she does all the work with him.”

A half-sibling to Speech Craft will be sold at the 2017 Select Sale, with Henley Park offering a colt by Declaration Of War as Lot 598.