A trophy that slipped through Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s grasp in their early days of racehorse ownership now has pride of place in the Cambridge Stud trophy cabinet, thanks to a stunning coming-of-age performance by Snazzytavi in Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Te Rapa.
The Lindsays' foundation mare J'Adane went agonisingly close to winning the 2007 edition of the spring showpiece, where she was beaten by a whisker by superstar mare Princess Coup.
Multiple Group One wins have followed in the Lindsays' black and gold chequered colours throughout the 17 years between then and now, but what Snazzytavi did at Te Rapa on Saturday holds a special place in the couple's hearts.
"That's one of the biggest thrills ever," Jo Lindsay said. "Her finish really was something spectacular."
Snazzytavi had already announced herself as an emerging talent on the New Zealand scene, winning seven of her 12 starts in highly impressive style including a four-length runaway in the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m) at Te Rapa in April. She scored in similar style in her last-start appearance in a 1600m open handicap at the same venue on September 27, improving her course record to a perfect three-from-three.
The Tavistock mare's obvious affinity for Te Rapa was an advantage when the Livamol was relocated there from its traditional home of Hastings. However, the $550,000 feature was still by far the biggest test of her burgeoning career.
It was her weight-for-age debut and her first appearance at Group One level, and she had to jump from gate 15 against a field stacked with proven elite performers. But Snazzytavi rose to the occasion in spectacular style, announcing her arrival among the very top echelon of New Zealand's racehorse ranks.
Ridden by Warren Kennedy for trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, Snazzytavi came across from that awkward gate and settled into an ideal position in 10th and one off the rail.
The five-year-old began to warm into her work approaching the home turn, and when Kennedy let her rip in the straight, Snazzytavi's response was electric. She exploded down the outside of the track, hitting the front 150m from home and bounding away to win by three and a half lengths.
"That was pretty special," Kennedy said. "She had to step up to weight-for-age level today, and didn't she do that? She quickened really smartly.
"I managed to get a beautiful spot just behind Campionessa and One Bold Cat , so I knew they would give me a lovely run into the race. When I asked her to quicken, she produced an electrifying turn of foot. She just put them to bed from the 400m to the 200m and it was race over.
"I just wanted to ride her where she wanted to be. She settled really nicely and the rest is history.
"I was a little bit doubtful today. She obviously loves the track here, but weight-for-age conditions are a different story. I was a bit sceptical with the draw as well. I would have been happy if she was just hitting the line strongly.
"But the way she won this today, she's obviously a very good mare that's improving all the time. To win a Group One weight-for-age race like this today is no mean feat for a mare that had only previously won at Group Three level.
"I think she can now compete in these big Group One weight-for-age races and be a live contender in any race she lines up in."
Snazzytavi has now earned $582,275 from her 13-start, seven-win career, and her value to the Lindsays extends well beyond that.
"It's fantastic, because it means we have another Group One mare to come to the farm," Brendan Lindsay said. "You always need a bit of luck in this game, and we had it this week. Having the race moved from Hastings to Te Rapa was bad luck for some people, but good luck for us because our horse loves this track. She's had four starts here now for four wins.
"Graham and Rogan and Warren have all done a wonderful job. Graham thinks she's still six months away, so goodness knows what she might be capable of in the future. But for now, we'll just enjoy the moment."
The Livamol was the 11th Group One win of Richardson's training career.
"All Group One wins are special, but I'll tell you what, this is a massive thrill," he said. "It's very special to do it at this time of year with a mare like this.
"I'm just chuffed for the horse, obviously. She's very, very good and will continue to get better. I'm also chuffed for the owners, for Rogan and all the staff at home. It's an amazing feeling.
"Warren said he wanted to get midfield if he could from that tricky draw, and you couldn't have asked for a better ride. It's awesome.
"She's just a lovely mare and is such a good horse. She'll have a short break now, and then we'll sit down with Brendan and Jo and the team and work out where we go from here."
New Plymouth raider Hi Yo Sass Bomb produced a career-best performance to finish second in Saturday's Livamol at $71 odds, with trans-Tasman Group One performer No Compromise edging out Campionessa for third.
