Republican Party started his spring campaign on the best possible note when a brilliant beginning set up his front-running victory in the time-honoured New Zealand Cup leadup for driver Blair Orange.
Naturally the Dalgetys were thrilled to win the Oamaru feature, but the trainers are just as excited to think there is still plenty more improvement to come from their 5-year-old.
"It obviously got a bit tight that last 100m. The other horses are a bit tighter and had a bit more racing, but we are lucky that our fellow has a bit of tenacity about him", Cran Dalgety said.
"Blair said he was tired that last few strides but he wanted to win and he did, which is always a sign of a good horse.
"We would love to think we could improve again off this run. He should, as there is nothing like a race to bring a horse on.
"It is another thing to go out there and do it again, but you can’t help but think we are in a good spot going forward."
Heading into the Hannon Memorial, Dalgety thought he had a bigger and stronger version of Republican Party after the horse took on New Zealand’s open class features throughout last year.
Yesterday’s win suggested that is the case, with the horse going one better than his second placing in the 2023 Hannon Memorial.
"We see it time and time again that nice juveniles come through and they do get a shock when they hit free-for-all racing", Dalgety said.
"He has placed a lot in the better races last year and he was lucky enough to win the Canterbury Classic.
"But I feel after having that year under his belt he is going to be very competitive this year."
The Dalgety camp will aim Republican Party at defending his Group Two Canterbury Classic title at Addington in the horse’s next start later this month.
Runner-up Pinseeker got within half a head of the winner in a brilliant Hannon Memorial display, showing he is well up to stepping up to race New Zealand Cup contenders.
The 4-year-old, who also did not have the benefit of a recent race, gave Republican Party a big head start on sharp closing sectional splits before powering home out wide for trainer-driver Jonny Cox.
Earlier on the Oamaru card, Oamaru couple Phil and Bev Williamson enjoyed a moment to remember at their home track when Aroha Kenny won the Group Three Jasmyn’s Gift Stakes.
Between them, the Williamsons bred, owned and trained the race winner of an event they also sponsor.
Named after the couple’s outstanding mare and producer Jasmyn’s Gift, the Williamsons took out the third running of the feature thanks to a cool Ricky May drive.
Sheza Gift added to an already epic moment for the Williamsons with her third placing in the trotting feature.
Trained by Phil and bred by Bev, Sheza Gift is the daughter of Jasmyn’s Gift.
