First Karaka Million Money on the Board

First Karaka Million Money on the Board

The first juvenile race of the new season kicked off the Karaka Million contest in fine style on Saturday, with two Karaka Million eligible youngsters providing the quinella.

Hosted by Wanganui Racing Club, the Ford 2YO (800m) was dominated by a blitzing performance by the Mark Walker-trained Regal Flame (Not A Single Doubt x Marina Miss by Grand Lodge). The winner of two trials, Regal Flame left a massive seven lengths between himself and second place-getter Sacramento (No Excuse Needed x Lodore Mystic by Centaine).

Regal Flame was a $45,000 purchase by Te Akau Racing Stables principal David Ellis from Wentwood Grange's Select Sale draft while, at the other end of the scale, Sacramento's trainers Peter and Kim McKay bought him for $480,000 from his breeders Waikato Stud. The well-related colt is a half-brother to star galloper Alamosa.

The order of entry for the 2009 Karaka Million - New Zealand's richest juvenile race - will be determined by the stakes earned by eligible horses. Regal Flame now has $7,500 to his credit, with Sacramento on $2,400.

The next two-year-old race will be hosted by Whangarei Racing Club this Saturday 13 August.

Click here to see New Zealand's juvenile races from now until the Karaka Million on Sunday 25 January 2009.

ENDS

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