Melody Belle (NZ) Makes History in Livamol

Karaka graduate Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) made New Zealand racing history with her dominant victory in Saturday’s $250,000 Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings.

The $57,500 Premier Sale purchase became the first horse ever to complete the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival’s Triple Crown – the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), Group 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) and Livamol Classic.

It was also Melody Belle’s ninth Group 1 victory, which is a new record for wins at the elite level in New Zealand. She had previously shared the record of eight with Mufhasa (Pentire).

Saturday’s win was effortless and outstanding. After sitting in midfield and striking some traffic trouble through the early part of the race, she began to cruise around the outside of the field approaching the home turn.

At the top of the straight, Peso (NZ) (Colombia) was the only horse left to catch. She sailed past him at the 250-metre mark and went clear, opening up a comprehensive winning margin of three and a half lengths.

Overall, the win was Melody Belle’s 14th from 24 career starts. It took her prize-money earnings past $2 million for her owners, the Fortuna Melody Belle Syndicate. That’s more than 34 times her purchase price.

Race 8 - LIVAMOL CLASSIC

“She’s such a darling,” Bosson said. “We got bumped around a little bit in the first half of the race, but I ended up getting her out of trouble and then she just cruised into it. I just love her.

“To win these three Group 1 races at 1400, 1600 and 2040 metres, it takes an amazing horse and an amazing training effort by Jamie Richards. It’s a big team effort, from David Ellis buying all these lovely horses to all of the great staff involved. I’m just the pilot.”

Ellis rated the win as one of his career highlights.

“It’s the thrill of a lifetime,” he said. “To see her win the Karaka Million at two, then train on each year and get better and better, it’s just so rewarding. This is one of the great days I’ve had on a racetrack. It’s history. It’s a very proud occasion for Te Akau.”