Seven-year-old stayer Kaharau bounced back to winning form on Sunday for Ruakaka trainers Ken Rae and Krystal Williams-Tuhoro, winning the No Limits Interiors Open Handicap (2030m) at Cromwell.
The gelding hadn’t won since defeating subsequent Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Ladies First in the Nathan’s Memorial (2400m) back in February and won well under a good ride from Terry Moseley.
Despite being trained at the other end of the country, it was Kaharau’s second victory at Cromwell, having won over the same distance at the once a year course in 2015.
“I love it down there,” Rae said.
“It’s very hard with the weight he gets, but down there on those smaller tracks he seems to enjoy it.
“He’s gone to the paddock for a couple of days and will spend some time on the walker, and he will probably run on Boxing Day at Wingatui.”
“There’s an Open 2200m for Kaharau and a Listed Open sprint for Prom Queen.”
Rae said the lease on Prom Queen from Windsor Park Stud expires at the end of the season, but he was keen to see if he could race the speedy mare in foal.
“Our lease runs out on the 31st of July, but I’m keen to see if we can race her in foal so I can give her a decent break at some point,” he said.