Awapuni mare Heni’s love affair with the Riccarton track continued Saturday when she brought up her 6th win at the venue and second in the week.
Successful in Wednesday’s Gr. 3 Canterbury Breeders Stakes (1400m) the Towkay mare once again proved too tough as she gave her rivals a beating over the same distance in the Vernon & Vazey Truck Parts Premier contest.
Hirini produced a copybook performance as she guided the mare into a lovely position just off the speed after narrowly avoiding disaster when race-rival Batman put on a rodeo act shortly after the start. In the process she pocketed William Wallace on the fence inside her, a move that proved crucial as events in the race played out in the latter stages.
While Hirini and Heni had clear air to issue a winning challenge early in the run home, William Wallace had trouble finding a run before charging home late to snatch the runner-up position.Hirini was full of praise for the mare’s effort when questioned after the race.
“She jumped out and settled well, which I knew she would,” she said.“She ran home beautifully and won well. She is a beautiful mare and deserved that big race on Wednesday.
“I’ve been looking forward to riding her as I had the booking weeks in advance. She’s very versatile and can go on anything and this place is just like another home away from home for her.Stable representative Jane Davidson also commented on the mare’s affinity with the roomy Riccarton surface.
“She is just a different horse down here and never stops surprising us,” she said.“She seems to do it so easily and races like there is always something more in the tank.
“Wednesday was a huge thrill but to back it up and win again today is just fantastic.”The victory took Heni’s overall record to 10 wins from 35 starts and just over $235,000 in career earnings.
