Mapperley Stud stallion Puccini sired his first winner at Rotorua on Tuesday when Giacomo (NZ) won the Lance Lawson (1560m) for trainer Peter McKay.
It was fitting that Puccini’s first winner was trained by McKay, with the Matamata horseman overseeing his racing career, where he won eight races including the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m).
It was Giacomo’s third raceday start on Tuesday and he relished the step up in distance and the firmer track on offer at Rotorua.
“It was a good tough win, he switched off throughout the race beautifully, when he hit the front he looked around and waited for them a bit, but was strong through the line,” McKay said.
“I think he will stick at a mile next time out, but I would like to see him in better company over Christmas time in those 2000m three-year-old races, he still holds a nomination for the Derby.”
Mapperley Stud principal Simms Davison was delighted to watch Puccini record his first win as a sire.
“We are thrilled to see Puccini get his first winner, and the fact Peter trained it makes the win even better. He’s always had a decent opinion of the Puccinis in his stable,” Davison said.
“We always knew that they were going to be three-year-olds that would only get better later in the season. Puccini was most effective on a good track and we really saw him at his best over the mile-plus trip.”
Puccini stands at Mapperley Stud for a fee of $3,000+GST.
