MELODY BELLE supreme in Group One Haunui Farm Mile

Four Year Old racemare MELODY BELLE (Commands – Meleka Belle) stamped her authority as the very best race horse in New Zealand when taking out the Group One Haunui Farm Classic (1600 metres) at Otaki 23rd February. Drawn wide at Barrier 13 in the field of 15 runners, rider Opie Bosson had the mare jumping away form the barriers well and settling into 6th place in the running, although three wide. On turning for home, MELODY BELLE was the widest runner, but hit the front not long after turning for home, was strong to the line and won in dominant fashion with One and three quarter lengths back to the second horse Wyndspelle

Click HERE to see race result and Video replay

Melody Belle Supreme in Group One Haunui Classic – Picture courtesy of Race Images Palmerston North

Fortuna Syndicate Manager John Galvin expressed the mood of many of the large group of Syndicate Members who were on course, “This has been the most amazing journey for this mare” he said, ” to be a top quality Two year Old and now to win five Group races as a Four Year Old, four of them at Group One level is just a team come true.”

John went on to say “and what an amazing training feat for Jamie Richards, this mare came into the stable 1st May, she has raced seven times during the current season at elite level, has beaten all comers – she is just a complete racehorse and Jamie is a trainer to match”

The Te Rapa victory was Melody Belle’s 10th win from 19 starts, her 9th win at Group or Listed level, her 5th Group One Win and her total Stakes winnings were taken to $1,500,000, an amazing result for a Mare who was acquired as a Yearling for just $57,500

Melody Belle was acquired by David Ellis on behalf of Fortuna Syndications at the 2016 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Premier sale for $57,500 and was bred by Marie Leicester.

She is raced by the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate, a grouping of 34 individuals