Taupo Racecourse provided the setting for a memorable three-year-old fillies’ feature on Sunday, with Hawea producing a powerful late finish to win the $100,000 Chittick Family Fillies’ Classic over 1100 metres. The victory came in the race’s first year with Listed status and added another notable name to its distinguished roll of honour.
Chittick Family Fillies’ Classic Results
Chittick Family Fillies’ Classic results highlighted a breakthrough performance from the Karaka 2025 graduate, who came from the back of the field before sweeping past her rivals in the closing stages at Taupo Racecourse.
The race has previously launched the careers of several high-class performers, including subsequent Group One winners Atishu, Quintessa, Jennifer Eccles, Bounding, Recite and A Touch Of Ruby. Hawea now joins that impressive list after producing a significant step forward at Taupo Racecourse.
Bred and part-owned by NZB’s John Cameron alongside Daniel Zigal, Hawea was purchased for $300,000 from the Wentwood Grange draft at the Karaka 2025 Book 1 sale. The Hellbent filly had made three appearances as a two-year-old, recording a placing and showing enough ability to suggest a stronger campaign could follow.
Her juvenile season began with a sixth-place finish at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. She then finished fourth in the Group Three Colin Jillings 2YO Classic over 1200 metres before placing third in the Group Two Matamata Breeders’ Stakes.
Her return at Taupo Racecourse marked her first start as a three-year-old, and the improvement was clear.
Trained by Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, Hawea settled towards the rear before beginning a sustained run through the field. Once in the straight, she continued to build momentum and finished strongly to secure the feature race.
The victory also represented an encouraging return after a preparation interrupted by setbacks. Hawea has now recorded one win and one placing from four starts, with her earnings rising to $84,950.
Her next assignment is expected to come in the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes over 1200 metres, where she will remain within the fillies’ programme as her campaign develops.
Chittick Family Fillies’ Classic results also formed part of an impressive weekend for Karaka graduates. She’s No Saint had won the $100,000 Group Three Northland Breeders’ Stakes over 1200 metres at Ruakaka on Saturday, while Fortunato made a winning debut in the $50,000 three-year-old event over 1100 metres at Taupo Racecourse on Sunday.
Fortunato was purchased for $90,000 from the 2025 Ready to Run Sale, with this year’s edition scheduled for November 18 and 19.
For Hawea, the focus now shifts towards the next stage of the season. Her performance at Taupo Racecourse showed a notable improvement from her two-year-old campaign and provided an early indication that she could have a significant role to play in the major fillies’ races ahead.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz