Already assured a valuable career at stud as a half-sister to dual Group One winner Legarto, talented mare Emanon (NZ) (Burgundy) has herself spent some time in the racetrack spotlight during the holiday period.
The five-year-old daughter of Burgundy earned all-important black type with a third placing in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day, and then she backed up four days later to win Saturday’s West Coast Steeplechaser Kurow Cup (1400m).
Ridden by Sanu Toolooa in the $35,000 Kurow showpiece, Emanon settled in second as last-start winner Diamond Girl again adopted tearaway front-running tactics and sped out to a huge lead.
Emanon had to drag the rest of the field up behind Diamond Girl approaching the home turn, then pounced in the straight to lodge her challenge.
She quickened sharply to take command, but her job was far from over as The Buffer dashed through the inside and Redford gained ground out wide. Emanon dug deep and turned them both back, scoring by a head in a tight finish.
Emanon is trained at Orari by Lionel Dobbs, who also races her in partnership with his wife Janine Young. The couple lease the mare from her breeder Warwick Jeffries.
From 53 starts, Emanon has now recorded 10 wins, six seconds and 11 thirds. She has earned $249,009 in stakes.
Toolooa has formed a special association with Emanon, having now been in the saddle for five of those wins.
“That win today was very exciting and one of the best wins of my career,” said Toolooa, who has ridden a total of 47 winners.
“Emanon is a very, very tough horse and a half-sister to Legarto, so getting a result like this is great for everyone. She did such a good job to hold on today.
“It’s a good result for me too, coming back from an accident. I’ve won five races on Emanon now and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to ride her.”
