Peter Rubery (Race Images)
Hawera galloper Mauna Kea, representing the Horowhenua district, notched his biggest win when he took out the ITM Interprovincial Challenge (1600m) at New Plymouth.
The Per Incanto five-year-old has proved a model of consistency throughout his winter campaign with four wins and a further 3 placings from just seven starts.
Saturday’s victory was his best effort yet as he disputed the pace throughout the contest before holding out the late challenge of race favourite Igraine, who was the King Country district representative.
Rider Johnathan Parkes was confident of success once he got his own way in front.
“He began fair so I gave him a bit of a dig to get him up on the speed,” he said.
“I always wanted to lead as he was up in class and I thought he would be hard to catch in front.
“At about the 600m I put a bit more pressure on to see if they could catch me and he was just too strong.”
Parkes is confident there is more in store for the Paul Moseley trained galloper who is putting together a handy record.
“He’s gone super this time in,” he said.
“He’s gone from a maiden to winning the race today so it was a nice effort.”
Mauna Kea is the first foal of City On A Hill mare City Class Rose, a daughter of good winter performer Ragamuffin Rose. Ragamuffin Rose successfully mixed both flat and jumps racing and numbered the 1994 Grand National Hurdles (4200m) amongst her six career victories. - NZ Racing Desk
Video replay: Mauna Kea leads all the way at New Plymouth