3 minute read

After many years experience in the racing and breeding business Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty knows that results like the well known South Auckland Stud farm produced on Saturday at Te Aroha don’t come around very often.

From four entrants on the day Haunui produced a quinella in the sixth race with Nelson Park and Chancery which was quickly followed by progressive mare Triaction running a game third in her open class debut. Those results were then topped by Perfect Fit who led all the way in the day’s feature event, the Gr. 1 Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeder’s Stakes.

Chitty and his wife Sara were still coming to terms with the events of the day when contacted 24 hours later.

“It’s hard to explain the feelings you have after a day like that,” he admitted.

“Sara woke up this morning and her first question was whether yesterday had actually happened or had it all been just a dream!

“We knew leading into the day we had four lovely horses going to the races in tip top condition but to come away with a Group One win, a race quinella and a superb third was just amazing. In fact I don’t think we’ve ever quinellaed a race before so it was certainly a hell of a day.”

Chitty was quick to pay tribute to the many people involved in each of their runners.

“There are some wonderful stories behind each of the horses we had entered so we are just as thrilled for the people involved with us as we are for ourselves,” he said.

“The syndicate who race Perfect Fit is a great example of how racing should be. Maureen Duncan and James Orten both raced Valpolicella with us and Gary Madill was involved with her dam Fayreform. The other group involved is the Provincial Club who have all been mates of mine for many years and just love being involved in racing a horse.

“The mare has been superbly handled by Ken and Bev Kelso so to be able to share that success with everyone made for a very special occasion.”

Chitty was also delighted for Byerley Park conditioner Shane Hapeta who prepares Nelson Park for the Stud and her co-breeder Tim Dixon.

“Shane has done a lot of work for us over the years so it is great to see him beginning to reap the rewards of that,” he said.

“He was involved with Perfect Fit before she went to the Kelso’s and did a superb job with her early education.

“Tim Dixon and I have been mates for over 25 years so you can imagine it was a great celebration. We actually bred Hardcase who won last week and race him with a large group so back to back winners is a hard act to top.”