Warhorse Wins Battle for G1 Diamond Stakes

Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman claimed a black-type double on Saturday, led by his star two-year-old Warhorse (NZ) taking out the feature $200,000 Group 1 Haunui Farm Diamond Stakes (1200m) on the final day of the Auckland Cup Carnival.

In a race decided in the stewards' room, Warhorse (General Nediym x Rathlin Island) defeated Rollout the Carpet (Holy Roman Emperor) who hung badly in the straight causing interference with the Bridgman-trained colt who could not unleash his finishing burst until the final 50 metres.

With the placings across the line reversed, Warhorse secured Group 1 victory at his fifth raceday outing, with Opie Bosson aboard.

Notwithstanding the trouble in the straight, Bridgman was very pleased with his charge's performance.

"It was a very good run," commented Bridgman. "Obviously it was a little disappointing to win the race on protest but in the end we got the result.

"At this stage we are planning to push on with the horse and we will send him to the Group 1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes for his next run. We will also be sending Irish Rebel to the Group 1 as well."

One of New Zealand's most talented two-year-olds, Warhorse won the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, beating the $800,000 Karaka yearling Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer), and came into the race after running a bold third in the $1 million Karaka Million after drawing the horror gate of 14.

Bred by Jonathan Hope, Warhorse was purchased by David Ellis from Trelawney Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $100,000. He is raced by prominent Singapore owner Tang Weng Fei, who also races the Karaka star Better Than Ever (French Deputy).

Warhorse has now won two, and placed in another two, of his five career starts for just shy of $240,000 in stakes.

Earlier on the card, Bridgman saw his $1.3 million colt Burgundy (NZ) (Redoute's Choice x Grand Echezeaux) claim the Listed Coolmore Australia Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m) at the Ellerslie meeting.

A horse that looks to have a bright future, the Jeff McVean & Emma-Lee Browne trained Rollout the Carpet (ex Out Of Egypt) won the Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes at her last start and was impressive on Saturday in the hands of James McDonald.

Bred and part-owned by New Zealand Bloodstock International Bloodstock Manager John Cameron, Rollout the Carpet was offered by Curraghmore Stud at the 2011 Karaka Select Sale.

Running third and providing New Zealand Bloodstock graduates with the Group 1 trifecta, was the consistent filly Silk Pins (NZ) (Pins x Silk Ending) for Keith and Brendon Hawtin and their Sydney owner Max Whitby.

With one win and four placings from her six starts, Silk Pins ran second in the $1 million Karaka Million two starts ago and came into the race after running third to Rollout the Carpet in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes.

Silk Pins put the finishing touch on an outstanding result for Brent & Cherry Taylor's Trelawney Stud who also offered Warhorse.