It may have taken Ruakaka mare Pure Delight (NZ) (Darci Brahma) 24 starts to break through for her maiden victory, but she did it in style at her home track on Tuesday when taking out the Trigg Construction Northland Cup (2100m).
From her ace barrier, she was eased back to settle at the rear of the field for jockey George Rooke where she remained for the majority of the journey.
She had all but one before her at the top of the straight, but Rooke was able to navigate a path between the pack and Pure Delight showed a good turn of foot to distance her rivals in the concluding stages to score a three length victory over Sir Please.
Rooke reunited with the five-year-old mare after placing on her over 1500m at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, and he was pleased to get the result on Tuesday.
“The plan today was to ride her out the back and ride her cold,” he said. “She has relaxed beautifully for me, which I was worried about. We had to take the brave route, which she enjoyed, and luckily it has paid off today.”
Trainer Chris Gibbs has always believed in the Pure Delight’s ability, and he was pleased she was able to realise her potential with victory in her home cup.
“I was worried because he (Rooke) had nowhere to go. She just needs to be held up anyway, I don’t know if that’s the way you want to be held up, but he rode her beautifully,” Gibbs said.
“We know how good she is. I know that sounds crazy because she has been a maidener for so long, but I am hoping now that she has knocked that (maiden win) off, we might look at one of those innovation races if we freshen her and see if we can get in.
“Sometimes when they get a win, they get that confidence. I am just hoping she will turn the corner now.”
Pure Delight was bred by Wentwood Grange principals Dean, Leigh and Sean Hawkins, in association with Llanhennock Trust, who have kept a share in the mare.
The Darci Brahma five-year-old is out of Group Three winner Leigh Valley, and is a half-sister to Group One winner Valley Girl.
She had placed in 11 of her previous 23 starts and has now earned more than $70,000 in prizemoney.