LEADERBOARD wins the NZ St Leger at Trentham 19th March 2022

Relishing the increase in distance up to 2600m, Leaderboard (7 g Street Cry – Flower Fairy, by Dynaformer) was a decisive winner in the $60,000 Barneswood Farm New Zealand St Leger (Listed, 2600m) on Oaks Day at Trentham.

Ending his autumn campaign last year with consecutive wins to 2400 metres and a strong winner over 2400 metres in Ireland, before being purchased, Leaderboard  (who carries the stable name “Tiger”) went winless in four starts during spring campaign from his Te Akau base at Riccarton, but included very good third in the New Zealand Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m).

At his previous start, Leaderboard finished fifth off handy trip in a Rating 74 2000 metres on 26 February at Matamata but increasing distance and a perfect ride by Michael McNab worked the oracle.

From sixth outer, McNab sent Leaderboard into contention from 600m and he never flinched after leading inside final 300m to eventually score comfortably by one and a quarter lengths.

On Dead4 footing, Leaderboard ran the 2600 metres in 2:39.6 and held firm in betting to pay $10.20 & $3.10 on NZ TAB tote.

Click HERE to see the race replay

Leaderboard’s sire Street Cry (Machiavellian) also left Winx, Champion US mare Zenyatta, Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, and Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, so stamina runs in the blood and Leaderboard has his share.

“Leaderboard” – Victorious NZ St Leger – Trentham 19 March 2022 – Michael McNab

“They went along at a genuine tempo and he outstayed them,” said trainer Jamie Richards after securing his first St Leger. “He was the best looking horse in the birdcage, with the best walk, but has had a bit of trouble with his feet, like some of those European horses can. But the team at home has done a great job with him and he was given a lovely ride by Michael McNab. I thought he may need a bit of easing in the ground, but he’s done it well there today. It’s just a shame we couldn’t get him right for the Wellington Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m) because he would have been a really good chance in a race like that. Congrats to John Galvin and his big team of owners – they have endured a series of setbacks this past few months, but they have been incredibly patient”

Asked whether Leaderboard could be around for Cups races next season, Richards said: “He has a very bright future as a jumper. He’s very good at that, so we’ll see what happens.”

Fortuna Director John Galvin was on course to watch his charge storm home and reported as follows post race “That was a Classic Stayers’s finish – we bought him at a Tattersalls sale to be a stayer – It’s a fantastic result for us as he represents a big syndicate of people from all over New Zealand and while most of the Ownership Group were unable to attend due to Covid restrictions and there was no birdcage cereonny for the same reason, the Wellington Racing Club was very kind to give us a presentation ceremony in the Owners room. It was a pretty good watch. He looked to be travelling well the whole race and very well rated by Michael McNab. When they turned in and he hit the front, I had visions of the New Zealand Cup where he did that and got run down. But this time he was able to hold on, and hold on very well”

“It has been a long time between drinks since his last win and were all very disppointed that he was unable to contest the Wellington Cup due to a stone bruise, however Jamie then set him for this race, and so it is a very nice consolation prize – well done to Jamie and his staff for doing such a nice job with this horse”

John Galvin acquired Leaderboard at the Tattersalls Horses in Training sale in October 2018 for 70,000 Guineas and was ably assisted in this process by the International Bloodstock Agent Hubie DeBurgh. He has started 21 times in NZ for 5 wins and accumulated NZ$125,000 in Stakes for his Ownership Group,  the Fortuna Leaderboard Syndicate comprising 72 individuals.

Leaderboard was strapped at Trentham by Lydia Truesdale