An interesting day awaits Members of the Fortuna (No 1) Syndicate, when their pride and joy, Volkarrie ( Volksraad-Harriet), seeks to make it three wins in a row when he contests the Rating 90 City of Hastings Metric Mile at Hastings on Saturday.

Volkarrie is proving to be a very progressive type, having  had six starts to date in his 4yo campaign for thee wins and three minor places. His last two starts have produced two very stylish wins. 

Senior jockey, Jason Wadddell, takes the mount with regular hoop, James McDonald, being engaged at Ellerslie on NZ Derby Day. 

A number of Fortuna Investors have an exciting day coming up on Saturday 27th February at Matamata. Fortuna has two starters, Tell A Tale and Rio Fortune.

Tell A Tale needs no introduction of course but Rio Fortune is also very well performed, having won twice as a 2yo last season, including the (Listed) NZ Bloodstock Castletown Stakes.

Rio Fortune had his first race in eight months on 6th Feb, finishing 2nd to Riomoral at Te Rapa. On Saturday he takes his place in the 3yo 1200 metre event ( Race 3).

Tell a Tale, whose last start in the Group One Darci Brahma International Stakes at Te Rapa, resulted in being narrowly beaten by Veloce Bella, is contesting the (Listed) Stanley Construction Cup over 2000 metres, where he again meets Veloce Bella, but on better terms in the handicaps. 

"Fortuna has had two starters on the same day before, but not at the same venue," says Fortuna Director, John Galvin, " and we have a number of investors who hold shares in both horses, so we are looking forward to a great day's racing." 

       Rio Fortune in action. Pic by Race Images-Palmerston North

Volkarrie's win at Rotorua on 17th February was a milestone in more than one sense. Firstly, the win was Te Akau Racing Stable's 70th win for the season. Secondly, the win represented the 40th win for horses that John Galvin has either owned in partnership, or managed on behalf of Fortuna Syndicates, that have been selected by David Ellis and trained by Mark Walker.

It all started back in 2003 when David acquired two yearlings at the Karaka Sales for John and four friends ( the Mandalay Bay Partnership). Both of these yearlings, Kapsdan and Comical Ali, won on the track, Kapsdan was an outstanding 2yo winning four times including the Group Two Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham and being the equal top 2yo filly of her year. Comical Ali won twice before tragically dying after trackwork one morning. The Mandalay Bay Partnership also raced Lady Classique, who won six times and Star Align, who won once.

John is also a shareholder in the outstanding Darci Brahma, who won 10 times on the track, including five Group One races and is now an up and coming Stallion.

The establishment of Fortuna Ltd in 2007 gave David, Mark and John an even bigger hand to play with. Fortuna has syndicated 16 horses to date and of eight who have been to the races so far, six have been winners with Tell A Tale (6 wins) and Volkarrie ( 4 wins) heading the table.

" It has been a great ride" says John Galvin, " and a great privilege to be associated with David, Mark and the whole Te Akau team. I am looking forward immensely to getting the 100th winner on the board." 

The Fortuna (No 1) Syndicate 4yo gelding, VOLKARRIE ( Volksraad-Harriet) made it three wins from his last four starts when scoring a dominant win in the Flying Beau Farewell Rating 90 event over 1950 metres at Rotorua Friday 19th February.

Beautifully ridden by veteran International jockey, Shane Dye, VOLKARRIE, known as Dusty to his group of owners, settled three back on the rails, moved up to challenge on the point of the turn and kicked away to win by more than two lengths.

" This horse keeps stepping up," said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin." he suffered an injury setback as a young 3yo and as a result, is very lightly raced, but has struck a purple patch of form of late and he is clearly a very progressive type. The way he hit the line strongly would suggest that he is still looking for more ground."

Volkarrie is fashioning a very impressive wins to starts ratio, with now four wins from just 13 race day starts.

The Fortuna ( No 1) Syndicate boasts a very enthusiastic band of owners and many were on course to celebrate their hero's win, including Vince Galbraith and John and Beryl Skidmore from Hawkes Bay, Jim and Diane Bryant from New Plymouth, Stewart Shallcrass from Tauranga and Tony Ashford from Hamilton. 

Talented 4yo galloper, Tell A Tale, steps out in the 2000 metre Group One Darci Brahma International Stakes at Te Rapa  Saturday 13th February. Tell A Tale has a solid Group One record with one win and four minor placing from seven previous attempts at the elite level. 

He contested the race last year ( then known as the Whakanui Stud International Stakes), going down narrowly to the classy Central Districts galloper, Mac O'Reilly.

Tell A Tale stormed home late, after being slow away, to finish 4th to the talented Wall Street in the Group One Thorndon Mile at Trentham on Wellington Cup day. 

" He didn't do himself any favours last time by being slow away at Trentham," said Syndicate Manager John Galvin, " but he absolutely flew home over the 1600 metres that day and will be ideally suited by the 2000 metres on Saturday."

Trained by Leading New Zealand trainer, Mark Walker, Tell A Tale will be ridden by Te Akau Stable jockey, James McDonald. 

Members of the Fortuna (No7) Syndicate will be in attendance in numbers at Te Rapa on Sat 6th February, when their pride and joy, Rio Fortune, steps out in the Te Rapa Rugby Seafood Bazaar 1200 metre event for 3yo's.

Rio Fortune ( Captain Rio-Bahira), made a splash as a late 2yo, winning his last two starts, including the Listed Castletown Stakes at Foxton in June in dominant fashion. Purchased by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna for the sum of $140,000  at the 2008 Karaka Premier Sale, Rio Fortune was set to contest the major Spring 3yo events, but trainer Mark Walker made a decision to spell him for 3 months after pulling up a little sore after trackwork in August.

"He is a lovely type, strong and very athletic and looks as if he will make a lovely sprinter/miler as an older horse," said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin.

Rio Fortune will be ridden by Te Akau Stables jockey, James McDonald. 

The large ownership group in Tell A Tale were left ruminating about what might have been after their pride and joy blew the start of the prestigious Group One Thorndon Mile at Trentham on Saturday 30th January. Tell A Tale jumped with the field but then loafed for a number of strides until vigorous riding by hoop James McDonald got him into gear. McDonald gradually worked him into the race and Tell A Tale produced his trademark finishing burst to finish fourth, less than a length from the up and coming star, Wall Street.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, was left shaking his head after the event. " Of course, it was disappointing, blowing the start like that most probably cost him the race," he said, " however, it was a great finish and bodes well for his next start over 2000 metres."

Tell A Tale will be seen next in the Group One Darci Brahma International Stakes over 2000 metres at Te Rapa on February 13th. 

Tell A Tale is shaping up to extend his Group One record at Trentham on Wellington Cup Day. Drawn 7 in a field of 18 in the Group One Thorndon Mile the 4yo son of Tale of The Cat has done everything right in his preparation since last racing in the Group One Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, where he finished 3rd behind Vosnee Romanee and Red Ruler.

"We could not be more pleased with him," said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin," he has been super in his trackwork, he has a great 1600 metre record, he seems to prefer the left handed way of going and most importantly, it looks like he is going to get track conditions to suit."

Tell A Tale will be ridden by NZ's leading jockey and Te Akau Racing Stables jockey, James McDonald. 

^{Volkarrie on his way to the winning post at Hew plymouth. Picture by Race Images Palmerston North}

Volkarrie enhanced his raceday record by winning over 1800 metres at New Plymouth 21st January. From 12 starts, the 4yo son of Volksraad has now won three times, had two seconds and two thirds and has only been out of the money on three occasions. Ridden positively out of the gates by leading jockey, James McDonald, Volkarrie raced one off the rail and three back throughout the race. McDonald out him into the race from about the 600 metre mark, took him out to the centre of the track in the straight, where he strode away for a convincing win.

Syndicate Members Jim and Diane Bryant from New Plymouth and Richie and Sue Want from Wellington were on track to revel in "Dusty's" fine victory. 

 " Very pleasing," was the reaction of Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, after the race, " he is not a big horse, but he does not lack for courage and always tries very hard."  

A graduate of the 2007 Karaka yearling sale, Volkarrie was the very first horse syndicated by John Galvin's syndication company, Fortuna Ltd. 

Volkarrie will now have a short freshen up before resuming again late February. 

Volkarrie backs up in less than a week when he contests the Office Max Rating 80 event over 1800 metres at New Plymouth on Thursday 21st.

The 4yo son of Volksraad has been showing signs of wanting to go further and the 1800 metres distance is ideal for him at this stage of his campaign.

Thursday's race is for apprentice riders and Volkarrie will be well served by having the country's leading rider, James McDonald in the saddle.  

Following on from his impressive Rating 70 win at Taupo on December 30th, Volkarrie steps out in a Rating 90 event at Paeroa on Friday January 15th. Drawn 4 in a field of eight, Volkarrie has once again the services of leading hoop, James McDonald and will get track conditions to suit with the Paeroa track currently rated a Good 2. 

" We are very happy with his work, he has trained on nicely since his Taupo win" said Fortuna Syndicates Manager, John Galvin, " however this is a big rise in class, so it certainly won't be easy.

Volkarrie is a son of Volksraad and is out of Harriet, the dam of Woburn who ran 3rd in the NZ Derby and went on to a win a number of races, including the Group 3 Manawatu Classic and the Rangitikei Gold Cup 

_{Volkarrie wining at Taupo Dec 30th. Picture by Race Images (Palmerston North)} 

"Well, it has been a long time between drinks" were the words that Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, used when toasting his group of owners in the Committee room after Volkarrie's win in the Merchant of Taupo Rating 70 event at Taupo 30th December. He was referring to the fact that the 4yo gelding had not won since March 2008. The lightly raced son of Volksraad- Harriet had a training accident early in his 3yo season and did not race for 10 months. 

The Taupo event was Volkarrie's first attempt over distance ( 1750 metres) and  he was beautifully ridden by leading jockey James McDonald, who settled him near the rear of the field and let the horse relax before bringing him into contention at the 600 metre mark and cruising away in the straight to win by a length.

John Galvin went on to say that it was apparent that Volkarrie was looking for more ground, which is not surprising given that he is a half brother to the very well performed Woburn, who ran 3rd in the NZ Derby.

Volkarrie is set to start next in a Rating 80 event at Paeroa on Friday 15th January 

3yo Filly, Chanson d'Amour will start in a Rating 70 event at Waikouaiti over 1250 metres on New Year's Day. This is her second attempt at this grade after winning a Maiden event in October. Her first attempt at R70 class backfired a little as she raced very keenly in the early stages of the 1200 metre trip at Riccarton wearing blinkers; however this time Mark Walker has decided to take the blinkers off and has an expectation that she will settle early in the run and save her best until the end. 

The nicely bred daughter of Choisir out of the successful racemare For Love will be ridden by Kylie Williams and has drawn 2 at the barrier. 

Following his good effort for 3rd at Matamata on 23rd December, Volkarrie heads to Taupo to compete in a R70 event over the 1750 metre distance on Wed 30th December.

The 4yo gelding is by Volksraad out of Harriet making him a half brother to the well performed galloper, Woburn. Volkarrie has been lightly raced; he showed promise as a 2yo winning once and being Stakes placed but suffered a setback with injury as a 3yo.

Leading lockey, James McDonald takes the ride. 

Tell A Tale showed a nice return to from with a strong finish for Third in the $200,000 Group One Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. While no match for the winner, Vosne Romanee, Tell A Tale pleased his connections with a strong finishing run in what was a very quickly run race, the winner stopping the clock in 2.00.6 seconds for the 2000 metre trip.

The 4yo son of Tale of The Cat from the Sir Tristram mare, Cheeky Veronika, had failed in his two previous Group One runs as a 4yo; however both of those runs ( Windsor Park Plate and Captain Cook Stakes) had been run on off tracks. 

" We were reasonably sure that the softer footing in those two races was the key factor in the horse not racing kindly for us," said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, " but nevertheless there still was a question mark in our minds as to his ability to measure up to this class of racing as a 4yo; those doubts have now ben dispelled as he finished the race off really nicely."

Jockey James McDonald reported after the race that Tell A Tale was a "different horse" on the Good footing of the Zabeel compared to the Dead track at Trentham in the Captain Cook Stakes. 

Tell A Tale will now have short spell before being prepared for the Group One Thordon Mile at Trentham on Wellington Cup day and will then be aimed at the Group One Darci Brahma International Stakes (formerly the Whakanui Stud Stakes) at Te Rapa on February 13th.

Tell A Tale has provided a wonderful ride for his group of owners says Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, but according to him, Boxing Day's Zabeel Classic provides his sternest test to date. " It is a high class field with 10 horses more highly rated than Tell A Tale. If this was a handicap, Tell A Tale would be getting weight from all of those rated above him, but this is Weight For Age and he is a lightly framed four year old. Having said that, he will get a dry fast track to suit him, he has a good barrier draw and he has done everything right in his preparation." Galvin said.

Tell A Tale has won six times from 17 attempts. He has contested four Group One races to date for a win in the 2000 Guneas and a third in the NZ Derby, but has been unplaced in his previous two Group One attempts as a four year old, although both races were run on rain affected tracks, which is not to his liking.

Last start winning 3yo filly, Chanson d'Amour ( Choisir-For Love) steps out in a Rating 70 event over 1200 metres at Riccarton Friday 18th December. The striking chestnut filly has been spelled since her win in a maiden 1200 event at Wingatui on October 16th.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, could not be happier with her progress. "She is a slow maturing filly, which is why we spelled her after her maiden win, but she continued to grow and strengthen during her spell and she her trackwork and attitude has been very pleasing since."

Chanson d'Amour will be ridden by leading Jockey, James McDonald.

Rising Star Wall Street lived up to his reputation and favouritism in taking out the $250,000 Group Two Coupland's Bakeries Mile at Riccarton on Wednesday 11th November.  Tell A Tale finished strongly for 2nd, one and a half lengths from the winner.  Syndicate Manager, John Galvin was not unhappy however.  "Wall Street is clearly an up and coming star and Tell A Tale was giving him 2.5kgs under the handicap conditions of this race.  I am very happy with how Tell A Tale finished the race off; he is clearly back to his best form and has an exciting season in front of him."

Tell A Tale will now stay at the Rangiora Stables and prepare for the Group One Captain Cook Stakes at Trentham on December 5th with the Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day and the Thorndon Mile at Trentham on Wellington Cup Day also on his agenda.

Fresh from his win in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile Trial on October 26, Tell A Tale has drawn well at Two in the main event, the $250,000 Group Two Coupland's Bakeries Mile at Riccarton on Wednesday 11th November.

Tell a Tale has trained on well since his victory and will be ridden again by leading jockey James MacDonald.

This will be Tell A Tales' fourth attempt at the 1600 trip at Riccarton, the three previous attempts ( Canterbury Stakes, NZ 2000 Guineas, Coupland's Bakeries Mile Trial) all resulting in victories.

History granted Tell A Tale's ownership group its wish when the handsome son of Tale of The Cat scored a stylish victory in the Coupland Mile Trial at Riccarton on Sunday 25th October. Exactly a year ago, Tell A Tale had taken out the (Listed) Canterbury Stakes for 3yo's on his way to winning the NZ 2000 Guineas three weeks later on the same track.

Settling back in the field, as is his racing style, Tell A Tale, under a masterful ride by leading jockey, James McDonald, worked his way into the race on the big sweeping Riccarton bend, found the gaps opening as many in the field swung wide and burst through the middle to win the race by a half neck from fellow 4yo, The Meista.

Tell A Tale, boasting more than $1m in stakes winnings from his previous 14 starts, was having just his third start as a 4yo. "Both of his previous starts this time in were run under unsuitable track conditions" said Fortuna Director and Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, "so he had his excuses.  Today, he had track conditions to suit and he simply revelled in those conditions."

Trainer, Mark Walker made a decision to bypass the Kelt Capital Stakes after Tell A Tale turned in only an average run in the Windsor Park Plate in September, then gave him a week off with the aim from there to contest the Group Two Coupland Mile on the 11th November.  That training decision has really paid off with the horse thriving during and after his week off and finally getting a good track to suit.

Remarkably Tell A Tale is now three wins from three starts over the 1600 metre distance at Riccarton and now boasts six wins, a host of minor placings and over one million dollars of prizemoney from just fifteen race day starts.

Tell A Tale will now prepare for the Group Two Coupland Mile for a stake of $250,000 on November 11th.  "This will be a tough race to win," said John Galvin "as the field will comprise most of the best milers in the country, however our horse will take a lot of improvement from this race and I am sure he will be very competitive on the day."

Tell A Tale's victory on the 25th capped a remarkable day for Te Akau trainer, Mark Walker, who scored four wins on the day, including winning for the fourth time the race that Tell A Tale won in 2008, the Canterbury Stakes, with King's Ransom

Can history repeat Itself is the question on the lips of members of the Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate, who race the classy galloper, Tell A Tale.  On Sunday, Tell A Tale steps out in the Coupland Mile Trial over 1600 metres at Riccarton Park.  This day is, of course, Canterbury Stakes Day.  The Canterbury Stakes was one of the four Group or Listed races which Tell A Tale won last season as a 3yo and was the lead up race to his stunning victory over Il Quello Veloce in the Group One 2000 Guineas.

Tell A Tale (or Ronnie as he is known to his legion of followers) has yet to win from two starts this term but has had exuses, having yet to find a firm track as he likes.  Track conditions on Sunday 25th are a lottery at the moment, with a Dead 6 (Wednesday 21st) and a mixture of drying and showery weather forecast through to Sunday.

Tell A Tale's main objective is the Group Two Coupland Mile at Riccarton on the 11th November and Sunday's race is the ideal lead up for him.

Today Carl and I loaded the kids in the car for the 3 hour journey to Wingatui to watch Chanson d'Amour (nickname Cassie) run.  This was going to be our first day to the races as an owner we felt very excited but also very nervous.   On arrival the kids just wanted to see her and couldn't understand that she had a job to do and that she wasn't some pony they could pat and ride.  Finally she made her way into the bird cage, she  looked fantastic what a stunning looking horse, she was a stand out.  You could really see her personality, she had spunk and she knew it.   Now the nervousness really started to kick in, will she load, will she jump well, now I can't watch.  I'm a wreck.  But there was no need to be, she did everything well.  The kids are down on the rail jumping up and down yelling at the top of their voice "Go Cassie", what a sight!!!  Then she thunders by and past the winning post, the kids yell out "did she win mum?" and I was thrilled to yell back YES!!  We were so proud and pleased for her and for everyone involved.  We look forward to her next race and hope we will be able to go and enjoy the thrill of racing once again.

Congrats
Rachel North

Editor's Note:

Carl and Rachel North are a young dairy farming couple from Southland. In 2007, they invested into two of the Fortuna Karaka purchased yearlings, Rio Fortune and Chanson d'Amour. They have alreay tasted success as owners of course, with Rio Fortune winning two races in succession as a 2yo, however, their trip to Wingatui was going to be their first time to physically watch one of their horses race. Rachel's "A First Timer's Story" captures perfectly what this great racing game is all about. Well done Rachel and Carl and family, may you have many more days like that.

Fortuna 3yo filly, Chanson d'Amour (Choisir-For Love) broke through for a plucky win over 1200 metres at Wingatui on Friday 16th October. Ridden by up and coming apprentice, Jillian Morris who was claiming 2kg, Chanson d'Amour drew wide and was a little slow out, but in the hands of jockey Morris steadily worked her way into the race, came wide on the turn and finished off the race nicely to win by a neck on the line.

Chanson d'Amour's win gave the Fortuna syndicates current 3yo crop a 100% winners to starters ratio with Rio Fortune being the other 2008 yearling purchase graduate to win for Fortuna Syndicates to date.

Fortuna Director, John Galvin was naturally very pleased with the performance of his charge. "She had two starts as a 2yo but was a little weak, however showed with her resuming run at as a 3yo at Riccarton in September, where she ran a nice 3rd over 1000 metres, that she had stepped up and was capable of winning as a 3yo," he said. "In fact, she still needs more time to mature a little more to truly show her best."

Bred by Tony and Lou Cole of Argonaut Stud and purchased for Fortuna by David Ellis at Karaka Yearling Sales in 2008, Chanson d'Amour has a strong racing pedigree. Her Australian bred sire, Choisir, carried all before him in winning two Group One races at Royal Ascot in the UK and is the sire of the winner of last weekend's prestigious Caulfield Guineas, Star Spangled Banner. Her dam, For Love, by Omnicorp won seven times including the prestigious Group Two, Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.

Chanson d'Amour will now have a short three week spell before being prepared for a Summer/Autumn campaign.

The 2009 Racing Annual is now available and Fortuna star 3yo of the 2008/09 season, Tell a Tale, is featured on the front page.  In addition to that, the Annual also features a four page article on Fortuna Ltd, its syndication business and its founder, John Galvin.

The Racing Annual has a new editor this year, Adrian Clark, CEO of NZ Bloodstock Marketing.

The 2009 Racing Annual is available for purchase now and Adrian Clark has very kindly offered a discounted price of $35 (including GST and postage) to all Members of Fortuna syndicates.  Simply call or email Adrian Clark on 027 495 5264 or adrian.clark@xtra.co.nz and advise him you are a Fortuna Member to place an order.

Fortuna 3yo JESSE OWENS (Danzero-Tehama) has been sold to Hong Kong interests for an undisclosed six figure sum.  A graduate of the 2008 Karaka yearling sales, JESSE OWENS was unraced, but had trialled twice; at Cambridge in March  as a 2yo for a close 2nd and on September 1st at Te Teko where he scored a nice win in a maiden 3yo trial.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, was very happy with the deal “It can be hard for Syndicate Members to sell a horse, but the offer we had was very compelling and we had a 100% support for the sale from the Members” he said.

Fortuna star 3yo Tell A Tale will not contest the Kelt Capital Stakes on October 3rd.  Tell A Tale had been on the 2nd line of favourtism prior to the running of the Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on 19th October in which he finished 7 lengths from the eventual winner, Daffodil.

While excuses could be made for Tell A Tale's run; he was checked badly leaving the barrier and the soft track conditions did not suit, trainer Mark Walker still did not believe he had shown enough to contest what is always a hard run 2000 metres of the Kelt.

"He is not really an early Spring type," said Walker "and we don't want to take the risk of flattening him by starting in the Kelt."

Tell A Tale is having a week in the paddock to freshen up and then will resume work with the Group Two Coupland Mile run at Riccarton on November 11th his next primary target.

Fortuna’s star 3yo of las season, TELL A TALE, is primed and ready to run a bold race in the Group One Windsor Park Plate at Hastings Saturday 19th September.

“TELL A TALE has really got into the groove since his resuming run at Tauranga three weeks ago,” said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin.“  He has lost the last of his winter coat, been licking his feed bucket clean and doing everything right in his preparatory work.”

TELL A TALE has pleased his connections by drawing five at the tricky Hastings 1600 metre barrier.

The main aim for the TALE OF THE CAT-CHEEKY VERONIKA 4yo this spring is the $1.2m Kelt Capital Stakes run at Hastings on 3rd October, after which the Caulfield Cup beckons.

3yo Filly, Chanson d'Amour is set for her 3rd race day start and her first as a 3yo when she steps out in a 1000 metre Maiden event at Riccarton Friday 4th September.  The Choisir filly (dam For Love by Omnicorp) has thrived since moving to the Rangiora Stables a few weeks ago and is set to go a bold race.  "She did not really distinguish herself as a 2yo" said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, " but then she always looked more like a 3yo type and her two 2yo races were really to gain her raceday experience," he said.

Chanson d'Amour will be ridden by Te Akau stable jockey, James McDonald and has drawn 7 in a field of 14.

Fortuna Syndicate's star 3yo from last season, Tell A Tale, kicks off his quest for new season glory with a lead up race over 1200 metres at Tauranga on Saturday 29th August.  Tell A Tale's main aim this spring is the Group One $1.2 million Kelt Capital Stakes run on October 3rd at Hastings.

Tell a Tale (aka Ronnie) has done everything right so far in his preparation and safely through the Tauranga race, he will have his next start in the Group One Windsor Park Plate at Hastings on 19th September.

Two Thousand Guineas winner Tell A Tale may make just one appearance at the Hawke's Bay spring carnival.The Matamata galloper has been withdrawn from the Mudgway Stakes (1400m) at Hastings on August 29 and is not certain to tackle the Windsor Park Stakes (1600m) on September 19.  However, the Tale of the Cat gelding has long had the $1.2 million Kelt Stakes (2040m) on October 3 pencilled into his programme."The Kelt is the main aim and how we get there is irrelevant," said trainer Mark Walker, who has already won the Kelt three times."He's not the most robust horse and he doesn't want three trips to Hawke's Bay.  It takes a pretty tough horse to be competitive in all three legs [at Hastings] and he's a very different horse to [past Walker Kelt winners] Princess Coup and Distinctly Secret."Tell A Tale had a run at the Te Teko trials last week but will not trial again before he resumes in the open 1200m at Tauranga, on the same day as the Mudgway. He will then run in either the Windsor Park or the Karaka Classic (1600m) at Pukekohe the following day."If there is a chance of a good track at Pukekohe, we might not even worry about the Windsor Park," Walker said.Tell A Tale needs little work to reach peak fitness and Walker has been satisfied with his progress."I would like a bit more condition on him but that's just the type of horse he is."Tell A Tale, who has already earned more than $1 million, was the star male three-year-old last term. He had a run of four successive wins, including the Two Thousand Guineas, Hawke's Bay Guineas and Avondale Guineas.  He also ran third in the New Zealand Derby and Walker has not discounted a crack at the A$2.5 Caulfield Cup (2400m) this spring."If he hadn't been held up in the [NZ] Derby he might have made it interesting and he could be a real chance in the Caulfield Cup, especially if he got in with about 51kg."Walker, who won 102 races last term, does not have a runner this weekend but will have around 30 horses at the Te Teko trials next week.

CREDIT - TIM BARTON DOMINION POST 

Last season's 3yo star, Tell A Tale and up and coming 2yo Stakes winner, Rio Fortune, will both trial at Te Teko on Tuesday 4th August.  The early August trials at Te Teko are traditionally the venue for horses who are planning to contest the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown events to show their stuff.  Tell A Tale is certainly in that category.  Rio Fortune, who won twice as a 2yo, including the Castletown Stakes (Listed) is to be aimed at the Classic 3yo events in the Spring.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, is very pleased with his charges.  "Tell A Tale had a nice long spell after the NZ Derby and came back into work mid May and has done everything just right in his preparation so far" he said.  "But I am particularly pleased with what 
Rio Fortune has shown us."  We could only afford to give him a relatively short spell after his first class victory in the Castletown 
Stakes, however he is gong extremely well in his trackwork and we are looking forward to him stepping up to 3yo class over the next few weeks."

Fortuna Syndicate Members are looking forward to an exciting season. Fortuna Syndicates have ten horses in work, including four 4yo’s, four 3yo’s and two 2yo’s.

2000 Guineas winner, Tell A Tale is particularly forward having enjoyed a nice long autumn spell. He has been back in work since late May, will trial at Te Teko in early August and will probably contest the Group Three Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa on 15th August as a prelude to the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown events.

Castletown Stakes winner, Rio Fortune enjoyed a short spell and is now back in work. He will trial sometime in August before tackling the Classic 3yo events in the Spring with his main target being the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton November 14th.

Rising 4yo’s, Volkarrie, Elusive Fortune and Sahara Storm are coming to the end of their spells and will resume full work shortly

Rising 3yo’s, Lord Brillianté, Chanson d’Amour and Jesse Owens are in full work and will trial in the early spring.

Rising 2yo’s, Manny Pacquiao (Pins-Georgiana) and Luxury Cat (Tale of the Cat- Luxury), both 2009 Karaka Yearling acquisitions, are near the end of their breaking in phase and will transfer to Te Akau Stables shortly.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, is upbeat about the forthcoming season. “Tell A Tale has done everything right, he has matured into a fine example of the thoroughbred and is set for a big season,” he said, “and Rio Fortune is a lovely relaxed type who, at this stage, looks like he will make the step up to Three Year Old class.”

But, while acknowledging that Tell A Tale and Rio Fortune, are at this stage, the “marquee” Fortuna horses, John Galvin is also optimistic about the prospects of other Fortuna horses.  “Volkarrie was placed in Stakes company as a 2yo, but had a difficult 3yo season with injury but now recovered nicely, Elusive Fortune also showed early promise as a 3yo but was hampered with a foot problem, while Sahara Storm had shown trials ability but was a bit weak as a 3yo.  Chanson d’Amour showed she had ability in her two starts as a 2yo but was always a  3yo type, Lord Brillianté and Jesse Owens have yet to race, but trialed nicely as 2yo’s and our rising 2yo’s, Manny Pacquiao and Luxury Cat have done everything right so far in their early preparation” he said.

Smart Fortuna 2yo, Rio Fortune, showed his last start win at Hawera was no fluke, when he took out the $50k Listed Castletown Stakes at Foxton in convincing fashion on Queens Birthday.  Drawing the outside barrier in a strong field comprising five last start winners, including the highly rated unbeaten colt, Prince of Wales, Rio Fortune showed his customary brilliant gate speed and was soon contesting the lead.  Leading rider James McDonald then eased him onto the rail behind the leader, before moving up to challenge  on the turn and was never headed going on to to win by a very convincing two and a half lengths. 

Rio Fortune, by Captain Rio out of the Group winning race mare, Bahira, was purchased for the Fortuna No 7 Syndicate by Te Akau supremo, David Ellis, at the 2008 Karaka Premier Sale for the sum of $140,000.  There are nineteen shares in the syndicate with an ownership group comprising thirty owners all together, many of whom were present and made up a very roudy, joyous contingent in the bird cage after the race. 

Syndicate Manager and Fortuna Director, John Galvin was on track and understandably ecstatic about his charge’s win.  “This is a very gratifying victory.  His last win was very impressive but this was a much higher class of field today and the manner of his victory indicates he is a young horse with a future.” 

Rio Fortune's victory was the fifth black type race won by Fortuna Syndicate horses in the 2008/09 season.   

Rio Fortune will now have a short spell and will trial in the early spring with the $1m  Group One NZ 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November being his main target. 

Rio Fortune, a handsome Two Year old son of Captain Rio out of the smart race mare, Bahira, broke through for his maiden win in the Two Year Old event at the Egmont Racing Club meeting at Hawera on Sunday 17th May.  Drawn 7 in a field of 14 and on a soft track, Rio Fortune, with Hayden Tinsley aboard, quickly speared to the lead and was never headed, pulling away in the straight to win by three lengths and going to the line in a canter.

Rio Fortune, or "Laser" as he is affectionately known by Te Akau stable staff, had previously shown much promise, having won two trials and going down narrowly in a head bobbing finish to the smart filly Fromm at his previous outing.

Rio Fortune was purchased by David Ellis for the Fortuna (No7) Syndicate at the 2008 Karaka Premier Sale for the sum of $140,000 and has been syndicated among nineteen shareholders.  Syndicate Manager and Fortuna Ltd Director, John Galvin, was on hand to watch the race along with a solid contingent of Syndicate Members.  "We always knew he was going to be a good horse one day" jested John Galvin, "as he was always getting himself into trouble.  Firstly he broke a bone in his jaw early in his preparation and then had an eye injury which kept him out of action for several weeks."  As a result of these setbacks, Rio Fortune has been very lightly raced with only three raceday appearances so far.

In winning his first race at Hawera, Rio Fortune emulated the feat of his older, more illustrious Fortuna stablemate, Tell A Tale, who also won his first race on the same track and subsequently became one of the star 3yo's in the current racing season, capturing four black type races, including the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Rio Fortune will now be aimed at the Listed Castletown Stakes at Foxton on 1st June.

Despite tougher economic times, demand has been steady for the two yearlings that Fortuna are currently offering in the market.

"The Tale of The Cat-Luxury" filly has been particularly popular and we now only have two 5% shares left," said Fortuna Director, John Galvin, " she is very nicely bred on the Dam side being closely related to the very fine race mare, Spring Rain, and of course Tale of The Cat has really made a big impact this year with Tell A Tale here in NZ, and in Sydney, with boom Colt, Real Saga, one of the Golden Slipper favourites."  Shares in this filly are available for $7,000 per 5% share and ongoing monthly costs of $135 commencing 1st April.  Students of breeding should note that this filly is bred on a Tale of The Cat-Centaine mare cross, a breeding "nick" which has seen 10 foals produced, seven of who have been to the races and all seven have won.

The other Fortuna yearling being offered at present is a strong, athletic Colt by Pins out of Georgiana, making him a half brother to the very well performed race mare, Filante Etoile.  "This colt is a real strong looking 3yo type," said John Galvin, " he is bred to get over ground and will make an ideal candidate for the 2000 Guineas in November 2010 and the rich NZ Derby in March 2011."  There are two 5% shares left in this colt and each share is available at $6,500 and ongoing monthly expenses of $135.

Disclosure Statements for both of these lovely yearlings can be obtained by calling John Galvin 0800 100 667 0r 021-921 460 or by emailing john@fortuna-nz.com

Tell A Tale, a hot contender for 3YO of the Year honours, has concluded his 3YO campaign and is headed to spell at Te Akau Stud.

The son of Tale of the Cat and Sir Tristram mare, Cheeky Veronika, has earned over $1,000,000 in his brilliant 3YO season alone where he has been undoubtedly been the star of his age group.  He began his black type scalp hunting winning the $100,000 Group 2 Golan Hawkes Bay Guineas at Hastings on Kelt Capital Day, before heading to Te Akau's southern stable in Rangiora where he immediately took out the $55,000 Listed Canterbury Stakes in October 2008.

This important lead up, astutely planned by trainer Mark Walker, then saw him produce a stunning display to claim the $1 million Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas in November 2008 - the South Island's first $1 million race.  Returning North, Tell A Tale was again in formidable form winning the $100,000 Group 2 HS Dyke Avondale Guineas.  His other notable efforts have been second to Mac O'Reilly in the $200,000 Group 1 Whakanui International Stakes at Te Rapa - a WFA event against the older horses.  This was particularly meritorious as he pulled up sore immediately following the event and it was questionable whether he could get to the Derby.

With the close attention and care of Mark Walker, the horse known to his small army of supporters as “Ronnie” did make the Telecom Derby at Ellerslie and, despite conditions that did not suit, he fought bravely for third in the $2.2 million Group 1 event.

Raced by the Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate, managed by Fortuna Ltd founder, John Galvin, Tell A Tale brought his ownership group of 25 people a huge amount of thrills and immense pride of ownership, not to mention a fantastic financial return on his initial A$125,000 purchase price.

Tell A Tale's outstanding 3YO campaign has seen his stakes' earnings rocket to $1,002,000 - with five wins, two second, two third, two fourth and one fifth placing from just 12 starts, eight of those starts being in Group or Listed company.   Although an Australian Autumn campaign was planned following the Derby, Ronnie started to show signs of having had enough and with Te Akau's philosophy of its horses' well-being always being the top priority, he will enjoy the green paddocks at Te Akau Stud and be fit and ready to resume his important 4YO career in the Spring with the rich Hawkes Bay Carnival events being his primary target. 

With acknowledgment to  - KARYN FENTON-ELLIS

A weekend of drama commencing with a dramatic postponement for 24 hours on NZ’s richest race, the $2.2million Telecom NZ Derby culminated in an exciting event run at 5.35pm on Sunday afternoon.

Hopes were high within the Tell A Tale camp, those hopes tempered by the fact that the track had been softened by heavy rain on Saturday and not being Tell A Tale’s ideal racing surface.

The race was an exciting event with a strong pace being set by The Meista. Tell A Tale was well positioned in the race from his ace barrier draw, three back on the rail. The race plan was for him to hold that position and then move wide on the track at the top of the straight to take advantage of the better going there. Race leader The Meista gave up just before the point of the turn, forcing Late Addition to check off his heels and causing Tell A Tale to check off heels also. This held him up for three or four strides and jockey Michael Walker was unable to get him off the fence at that point. In the meantime, Coniston Bluebird and Down The Road had skipped away and would fight out the finish.

Walker eventually got Tell A Tale off the fence and out into the centre of the track, where he finished off the race strongly for 3rd position.

“ I am so proud of this horse” said Syndicate Manager John Galvin “ he had every reason to get well beaten today, there were queries about his ability to get the distance and whether he would handle the track conditions, but in the end he showed us his class. He did not get any favours on the point of the turn and with a bit more luck there would have been right in the finish with the other two.”

An Australian campaign, culminating in contesting the AJC Derby in Sydney on April 11th is now being planned for Tell A Tale.

Tell A Tale’s preparation for the $2.2 Million New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on Saturday has gone perfectly.  However, according to Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, the storm due to hit Auckland late Friday/early Saturday changes the dynamics of the race. 

“Frankly, we simply don’t know how Tell A Tale will handle a wet Ellerslie track” said Syndicate Manager John Galvin, what we do know, is that many of his competitors are in the same boat.”  John Galvin today confirmed that Tell A Tale will start in tomorrow’s Derby regardless of track conditions.  “We have come this far, we know he is a class racehorse and it is simply not appropriate to withdraw at this stage.  We will take whatever comes.” 

Tell A Tale is currently showing fixed odds of $10 for Saturdays feature.

The nicely bred Chanson d'Amour ( Choisir-For Love) makes her debut at New Plymouth Sat 27th December. Purchased at the 2008 Karaka premier sales and raced by the Fortuna (No 8) Syndicate, the nicely framed chestnut filly has shown some real ability in her first preparation and capped that prep off with a winning trial at Cambridge December 16th.

Chanson d'Amour has drawn 3 at the barrier over the 1000 metre distance and will be ridden by Kelly Myers

" It is time for Ronnie (aka Tell A Tale) to step up" said Fortuna Syndicates Manager, John Galvin, when asked why boom 3yo Tell A Tale was bypassing the Group Two Great Northern Guineas and contesting the Group One Zabeel Classic instead. " He has shown what he is capable of in three year old class, now we need to extend him against the older horses to see if we can frank his class even further," he said. Galvin acknowledged that it won't necessarily be an easy task. " He not only has to contend with taking on some tough customers but also will be racing over the 2000 metre distance for the first time. It is a big ask but we are quietly confident that he will measure up," he said.

Tell a Tale has drawn the ace barrier and will be ridden for the first time by Noel Harris as regular rider, Troy Harris, cannot make the 52kg weight.

Volkarrie, the 3 Year Old half brother to former top galloper, Woburn, kicks off a fresh campaign at Riccarton 10th December. The lightly raced Stakes placed performer is being aimed at the Gore and Dunedin Guineas events in January.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin is pleased with his charge's progress, "He had one start in September as a 3 Year old but after that start, we felt he needed more time to recover from a very cold winter and so we turned him out for a spell and he has come back with much improved size and condition. He was a lovely 2 year old and we await his performances in this campaign with much interest" he said.

Boom three year old, Tell A Tale, made it four black type wins in a row when taking out the Group Two Avondale Guineas on Saturday 6th December. The handsome son of Tale of the Cat, known as " Ronnie" to his band of owners, had to overcome an injury scare during the week, after gashing a leg in a paddock incident on Wednesday.

The gelding had responded well to treatment however and after some doubts about his ability to start on Thursday and Friday,was finally given a clearance by his vet, Dave Keenan and trainer Mark Walker at 6.15am Saturday morning.

Tell A Tale demonstrated his class and superiority in the event, with rider Troy Harris settling him back at the tail of the field, before making a forward move at about the 600 metre mark and having him almost level pegging with the leaders as they turned into the straight. Despite getting a little lost in the straight, Tell A Tale kicked away from the field and was easing down at the post with two lengths to spare over the second placed horse.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, was understandably ecstatic. " The horse has had to endure a lot the last three days, he had to undergo constant treatment comprising, ice packs, hosing, bandaging etc and to overcome that and win today in such compelling fashion is a tribute to the horse's ability and temperament" said John Galvin.

Tell A Tale was purchased by David Ellis on behalf of the Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate at the Magic Million Sales on the Gold Coast in 2007. He was a A$125,000 purchase and has now won over NZ$760,000 from eight starts for his very happy Syndicate members.

Promising Three Year Old, Elusive Fortune, seeks to break free of maiden ranks when he starts in a 1200 metre event at Trentham on Saturday.

The son of Elusive Fortune has impressed his handlers and experienced track watchers with his performances to date which include a close 2nd when on debut at Te Rapa to the promising galloper, Firebolt, and a tidy 5th after being checked in the straight in the ( Listed) Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie, won by Kildonan.

Elusive Fortune, owned by the Fortuna (No 3) Syndicate, will be ridden by Michael Walker who has resumed his riding career after recovering from life threatening injuries sustained in May.

Star Three year old galloper, Tell A Tale, seeks to extend his winning sequence of black type events to four when he steps out in the Group Two Avondale Guineas on Saturday 6th December.

The son of Tale of the Cat has won the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas, the (Listed) Canterbury Stakes and the prestigious NZ 2000 Guineas in recent weeks, all of these runs being characterised by barnstorming runs from back in the field.

Tell A Tale will be ridden by regular jockey, Troy Harris, who has been aboard for all of the horse's wins to date.

Connections of the Fortuna (No 2) Syndicate's gelding, He's Licarocket, are looking forward to their charge's Three Year Old debut. He's Licarocket ( Easy Rocking-Triplina) made an impression as a Two Year Old, winning twice and only being once out of the money from seven starts. He has trained on nicely but now faces the acid test of stepping up from Two Year Old class to the next level.

Tell A Tale stunned his small army of supporters and a huge Riccarton crowd with a compelling and paralyzing finishing burst that had seasoned racing journalists searching for superlatives. The Fortuna Syndicate (No 5) gelding by Tale of the Cat-Cheeky Veronika by Sir Tristram brought good form into the race having won the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas on Oct 4th and the Listed Canterbury Stakes on Oct 26th at his previous two starts. He had drawn well at 5 but missed the jump and settled back in the field on the rail. Rider Troy Harris rode him patiently but had to pick a path through a wall of horses in the straight. in the meantime , the gun filly Il Quello Veloce, ridden by Troy's father Noel, had burst to the front with what looked like a winning jump on the field only to be gunned down by Tell A Tale who was literally flying home down the outside.

The 2000 Guineas was run for a stake of $1million with $600,000 to the winner. Tell A Tale has a shareholder group of 25 people, many of whom are first time owners, so the thrill for them of owning a horse good enough to win such a prestigious race was simply amazing to behold.

The Group Two and Listed Stakes race winner Tell A Tale faces his biggest test by far when he steps up to contest the First Sovereign 2000 Guineas ( Group One) at Riccarton Park on Sat 15th November.

The three year old gelding by Tale of the Cat out of the Sir Tristram mare Cheeky Veronika, has not put a foot wrong as a three year old running a slashing second first up before winning both the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas and the Listed Canterbury Stakes in stylish fashion.

The Manager of the Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate, John Galvin, could not be more pleased with his charge. " Ronnie (as he is affectionally known by his handlers and owners) has done verything right in his racing career to date. He has won three out of six and never been out of the money. Since the Hawkes Bay Guineas, he seems to have matured mentally and his trackwork and overall attitude to his daily routine has been first class. We could not be more happy with the horse."

Tell A Tale continued his run of heartstopping finishes when he got up in the last stride to win the (Listed) Canterbury Stakes at Riccarton on Sunday 26th October. Ridden back in the field as usual by rider Troy Harris, Tell A Tale came wide into the straight only to have his run blocked. Harris moved the horse back inside to the centre of the track, secured a run but then had to knuckle down under a vigorous ride from Harris to hold out the gutsy Grimalkin by half a head. Tell A Tale ( Tale of the Cat-Cheeky Veronika) has now won three times from just six race day starts and proved that his recent efforts in the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas was no fluke. He is now a strong contender for the $1m Group One 2000 Guineas to be run at Riccarton on November 15th.

The Fortuna No 5 Syndicate gelding Tell A Tale takes one step closer in his quest to win the 2000 Guineas when he contests the Royal Gem@ Stoneybridge Canterbury Stakes (Listed) over 1600 metres at Riccarton on Sunday 26th October.

The Three year old son of Tale of The Cat has trained on nicely since his dramatic win in the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas on October 4th.

Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, could not be more pleased with his charge." He came through his Hastings win in fine form, has continued to work well and has come through his trip to Rangiora this week in good shape." he said.

There were hugely emotional scenes at Hastings racecourse on Saturday 4th October when the Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate's three year old gelding, Tell A Tale, scored a dramatic win in the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas. Ignored by the betting public ( winning dividend $25) despite carrying excellent form into the race, Tell A Tale was ridden back during the 1400 metre event by jockey Troy Harris before moving off the rail at the 600 metre mark and then finishing off over the last 200 metres with a powerful burst to win by a long neck.

Tell A Tale ( Tale of the Cat- Cheeky Veronika by Sir Tristram) was selected at the Magic Millions sale on the Gold Coast in June 2007 by Te Akau supremo, David Ellis, who said to Fortuna's John Galvin at the time "I have just secured you a Guineas colt" and so it has proved.

Winning the event was particularly poignant for Fortuna Principal, John Galvin, as he had previously won the race (2005) as part owner of the outstanding galloper, Darci Brahma. It was also the first Group race attempted by a Fortuna horse.

" The outpouring of emotion by those connections present was just marvelous to behold," said John Galvin "not to mention the phone calls and the texts from those who could not be there. It was just a great thrill for everybody connected to be able to take on the best in the age group, be an underdog in the eyes of the tipsters and the betting public and yet still bring home the bacon. It is what racing ownership is all about."

The occasion was also notable, firstly as it was jockey Troy Harris' first Group success as a Senior rider ( previous Group successes had been as an apprentice) and secondly, with Te Akau Stables making a clean sweep of the Group events on the day when Princess Coup won the $2m Group One Kelt Capital Stakes for the second year in succession.

The No 5 syndicate has 19 individual shareholders, many of whom are first time owners, a fact very pleasing to Fortuna's John Galvin. " One of our key objectives in establishing Fortuna was to introduce new people to racing ownership. We now have 132 investor clients in our ten syndicates and approximately 100 of those are first timers."

Tell A Tale is being aimed at the $1m Group One 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 15th.

The Fortuna (No 5) Syndicate Three Year old gelding, Tell A Tale( Tale of The Cat- Cheeky Veronika) contests the Group Two Golan Hawkes Bay Guineas at Hastings on Kelt Capital day, Saturday Oct 4th.
Tell A Tale, who has yet to finish out of the money in four race day starts including a fourth in the Listed Fairview Ford Slipper Stakes at Matamata in February has done everything right in his current preparation, including a slashing, fast finishing 2nd at Taupo when resuming as a Three Year old

" He comes up against some very well performed opposition in this event," said Syndicate Manager, John Galvin, " however, he has shown us a lot to date and deserves the opportunity in this class of field."