Quintabelle celebrated her sixth birthday in memorable fashion by landing the biggest victory of her career, producing a powerful late burst to capture the Group Three Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. The mare, carrying just 53kg, justified her light weight with an authoritative performance to claim the $110,000 feature and register her first stakes success.
The daughter of Embellish settled comfortably through the early stages before jockey Toni Davies patiently angled her into clear running in the straight. Once balanced, Quintabelle accelerated strongly to put the race beyond doubt, rewarding the confidence of trainer Graham Furlong and her ownership group with a deserved breakthrough at stakes level.
The victory continued a rewarding career for Quintabelle, who was purchased for NZ$25,000 by part-owner Robert Dennis from Epona Park during Book 2 of the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sale. From 26 starts, she has now recorded six wins and four placings while lifting her career earnings to NZ$234,955.
Trainer Graham Furlong said the stable had expected a bold performance after the mare enjoyed favourable conditions heading into the race.
“Third-up today and with a big drop in weight, from 62 kilograms down to 53 kilograms, we thought she was going to be a key player,” Furlong said.
“I thought Toni got her in a nice spot. You can’t bustle her – you need to let her relax into things. She tracked through and then came wide and really let down beautifully.
“I’m thrilled for everyone in the stable. They all work so hard. I’m really appreciative of them and also the owners. There’s a big group of owners in this mare. We’ve been lucky enough to have Robert Dennis give her to us to train, and it’s great to have that support. A lot of the owners are here today and they will be over the moon.”
The Quintabelle Winter Cup winner performance further enhanced the mare’s profile as a future broodmare. She is a half-sister to multiple Group Three winner Dionysus and is closely related to Group One performer Quintessa, giving her an already distinguished pedigree.
Behind the winner, the experienced Bradman once again filled the runner-up position in the Winter Cup, recording his third placing in the historic race. Prioress, who arrived off a Listed victory in the Opunake Cup, finished strongly to complete the placings.
The result also underlined the strength of graduates from the Karaka sales, with all three placegetters tracing back to the New Zealand yearling marketplace. Bradman was purchased for NZ$85,000 in 2019 and has now earned more than NZ$425,000 from 69 starts and 11 victories, while Prioress has accumulated over NZ$310,000 in prize money from a consistent 61-race career.
For Quintabelle, however, Saturday belonged entirely to her. The Quintabelle Winter Cup winner story marked a career milestone, providing a richly deserved first black-type success and confirming the mare’s continued progression at six years of age.
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