It may have only been a nose at the finish, but it might as well have been a mile for trainer Shelley Hale after Blue Sky At Night took out Saturday’s Group 3 Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa.
Hale, who has battled ill-health in recent years, is one of the most popular figures at the Cambridge training establishment and has rejuvenated the career of the seven-year-old Shamexpress mare who has struck a rich vein of form, winning three of her seven starts since May, before tackling her biggest challenge on Saturday.
Ridden by Tayla Mitchell, who has formed a strong bond with the quirky mare, Blue Sky At Night was content to lob along in midfield before being eased into contention approaching the home bend.
Mitchell started to get busy as the widest runner in a line of five across the track at the 300m, shooting the mare two lengths clear and looking set for a comfortable victory.
No one told Warren Kennedy aboard second favourite Sassy Lass, who finally found clear air and charged after Blue Sky At Night, coming up just a nose short of victory in a thrilling photo finish.
2024 Group 3 Waikato Cup Replay – Blue Sky At Night
Hale and owner-breeders Alistair and Isabel Barker were ecstatic when the judge announced the official placings after having to hold their breath for several minutes as they waited for word to come through.
“It’s wonderful as we’ve always thought she might be capable of this,” Hale said.
“It’s a great thrill when you come to a race like this on your home track and just lovely.
“The Barkers are just wonderful and patient as there are not many seven-year-old mares still going around.
“She is a really relaxed horse who can get a little cranky at times, but these days she’s very relaxed.
“Tayla was great as comes and rides work for us and the horses just run for her.”
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