Duchess’s win in Oaks tonic for her owners

Duchess Maria’s (Father Patrick) win in last night’s $125,000 Group One Yabby Dam Farms New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Addington was a welcome moment of joy for her owners John and Katrina Price.

“We’ve had a horrible twenty four hours because Democrat Party died just after foaling. If ever we needed a tonic – a pick me up – it was now,” Katrina said.

Democrat Party was a successful racehorse, winning a Group One race in her career. As a broodmare she left Group One winning performers  Republican Party and Tour Party and her progeny have always been sought after at Yearling Sales. As a very valued broodmare she’s a big loss for Price Bloodstock.

Last night’s win by Duchess Maria was the first Group One trotting win for the Prices who primarily breed pacers and the first Group One trotting winner for her trainer Nathan Williamson.

“This one does feel special for what she has had to overcome and all the hiccups on the way. It’s definitely a lot more nerve wracking with the trotters. Nathan set this plan out a long way off and I’m thrilled it all paid off. He gets the credit for that,” said Katrina.

In last night’s race it was game on from the start with Our Col and Imperious Girl taking turns at leading early before Australian Raffie Jay took the front. Meanwhile Williamson played the patience game with favourite Duchess Maria settling last. That order remained the same until a lap to run when Petite Armour moved forward with Duchess Maria on her back.

Coming out of the last bend Raffie Jay cut away but Our Col was gaining ground on the inside with Petite Armour and Duchess Maria starting their runs down centre track.

In a thrilling finish befitting the quality of the field, Duchess Maria got up to beat Petite Armour by three quarters of a length with a head back to Our Col and half a head to Raffie Jay in fourth.

DUCHESS MARIA REPLAY

Williamson says the race panned out the way he thought it might.

“There were a few lead changes and tactics involved. It was nice to sit back and have the last say at them. It’s a big thrill to win a Group One race of any nature especially against a field as strong as it was. It’s the New Zealand Trotting Oaks. Yeah, a big thrill,” he said.

After a year away from the racetrack, this preparation for Duchess Maria hasn’t been plain sailing. She had to be late scratched at Winton in early October.

“She’d just been reshod and she’s very funny with her feet. When she is shod she’s tender for a day or two. She’s one of those ones we try to shoe in advance.”

Williamson says he rates last night’s win as the most satisfying of his training career.

“Knowing the talent she’s got and the issues we’d had. There was some thought that she might not get to that level. It’s a great thrill to get her back and racing. For myself on a personal level it was great to get back and crack another Group One race. The last Group One I was going to win didn’t go so well. There was a time when you’re lying in hospital and you’re not sure whether you’re going to drive again let alone feature in a Group One. Her and Indulge Me are two fillies that gave me the push to help me get back in smart time.”

He was also quick to acknowledge his staff and the part they’ve played in the Group One win.

“Georgia (Goodman) is very meticulous, oiling the horses’ feet and any wee cuts or abrasions are taken care of. She makes the feeds so she’s in charge of her diet and I make changes as I see fit. Ollie (Kite) is a great horseman and someone I trust fully. While I was in Kaikoura on Monday he worked her (Duchess Maria) and gave a strong push on how happy he was and how she trotted. They’re the things you like to hear when you’re away.”

Southland where Williamson is based, has had a horrendous winter which has presented challenges for trainers preparing their horses to take on metropolitan company.

“The weather is a big challenge. It does prove it can be done from down here. As long as you’re on top of wee problems that the elements can bring, you can do it. Our horses start turning the corner in December. It’s nice winning a feature race training out of a Southland base that’s for sure.”

Duchess Maria has been the only foal left by her dam Maria Tsarina in the five years she’s been bred from.

“She’s up at EquinBreed getting the works thrown at her. We’re now onto our third stallion choice this year. We’ve tried Walner, gone back to Father Patrick and now we’re trying Volstead. We’ll see if that makes a difference,” Katrina said.

The Prices are better known for their breeding of high end pacers like Republican Party and Tour Party but in the last five years they’ve ventured into producing trotters. They have two trotting broodmares Maria Tsarina and The Ivy League.

“Our first love is still the pacing side of it but we’re very fortunate that we got into both those trotting bloodlines.”

It was intended that Duchess Maria would be sold as a yearling at the 2024 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales.

“As fate would have it she ended up with a hoof problem and had to be pulled out of the sale. They decided to give her a go and she’s proved to be a wee gem. It’s the best hoof abscess they’ve ever had I’d say,” Williamson said.

The $200,000 New Zealand Trotting Derby is the next target on the talented filly’s radar.

“As long as she comes through the race well, that’s what we’re aiming for in a fortnights time. We’ll get her home, regroup and I’m sure she’ll be real hard to beat once again.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink