Briefs for 20th July 2015

Stakes winner joins Pike’s team; Azamour filly claims Oaks; Cameron looking good for title; Cup preparation going to plan; Tribute to Guy Walter.

Stakes winner joins Pike’s team

Talented mare Lady Le Fay has joined the Cambridge stable of Tony Pike.

Formerly with Paul Shailer, the four-year-old has won five of her 12 starts and hasn’t raced since she beat Thorn Prince and Taurus in the Listed Anzac 1600 at Awapuni in the autumn.

“She’s a quality mare and she’s been in the stable about five weeks,” Pike said. “I will be sitting down with the syndicate manager Michael Hughes soon to map out a programme for her.”

Azamour filly claims Oaks

A filly by Azamour has credited the ill-fated stallion with his third success at the elite level.

Irish Oaks heroine Covert Love has joined Dolniya (Dubai Sheema Classic) and Valyra (French Oaks) as Group One winners following her weekend victory at the Curragh.

Azamour shuttled to Brighthill Farm for one season and he will be represented by his only Southern Hemisphere crop at next year’s yearling sales.

Cameron looking good for title

Matt Cameron has taken the rest of the season off with consecutive jockeys’ premierships all but in the bag.

Currently holidaying in Hawaii, the 28-year-old won the crown in 2013-14 with 143 winners with his tally this season at 154 and 18 clear of Danielle Johnson.

Cameron has won nine stakes races this term with a highlight his victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes aboard Sakhee’s Soldier.

Cup preparation going to plan

While a number of North Island trainers have had their Winter Cup plans disrupted, it’s game on for Kenny and Lisa Rae.

The Ruakaka duo’s hopes for Absolut Excelencia in the eStar-sponsored feature at Riccarton on August 1 were boosted on Sunday when the five-year-old won the Oamaru Cup.

The abandonment the previous day of the New Plymouth meeting denied cup hopes including Authentic Paddy, Duffers Creek, Biologist, Marotiri Miss, North And South, Khemosabi and Illuminati a vital lead-up outing.

Tribute to Guy Walter

Chris Waller has acknowledged the late Guy Walter by naming his new Warwick Farm stables Tie The Knot Lodge.

He has taken over the yard where Walter successfully trained for more than 30 years with his flagship performer the 13-time Group One winner Tie The Knot.

Waller has also had a plaque mounted at his new stable which reads: “Tie The Knot Lodge - in memory of Guy Walter”.

Walter’s widow, Wendy, said she was very moved by the gesture. “I thought it was a wonderful thing that Chris has done. It has been just over a year since Guy’s passing and it is still very hard at times so it is special for Chris to do this in honour of Guy.’’