Less than a month after winning a maiden hurdle at Te Aroha, Hill Of Kings returned to the same venue on Sunday and landed a much bigger prize – the $60,000 Pakuranga Hunt “Vale Lamu” Hurdle.
“A couple of his owners came across from New Zealand to watch him today. They were thrilled to have a runner at Flemington, let alone a winner, so it’s a fantastic result for them.”
Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde had two runners in Saturday’s A$175,000 Deane Lester Flemington Cup (2800m) and came away with a quinella by the Kiwi-bred pair of Hit The Road Jack and Dashing Duchess.
Shaun Phelan is set to be represented by leading contenders at both New Zealand race meetings on Saturday, despite the likely scratching of his six-race winner Enchanted Elle.