Redoute's Choice Makes his Mark on Karaka Million Day

Media Release - Saturday January 26

Former top juvenile Ardrossan maintained his unbeaten New Zealand record when he scored in the Gr.3 Preferment@Brighthill Farm Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday evening.

Unbeaten in two New Zealand starts as a two-year-old, including a win at Listed level, the Redoute's Choice entire was subsequently sent to Australia in a bid to enhance his value for a possible future stud career.

Ardrossan - Trish DunnellNothing went right for the colt in his four Australian starts and he returned to his original trainer, Stephen Marsh in late 2018.

A comfortable first-up win at Te Aroha earlier this month had Ardrossan primed for his effort today and he didn't disappoint as he sat outside a solid pace set by Joy Anna before taking control of the race at the 300m mark.

Carrying the colours of part-owner Waikato Stud, Ardrossan forged clear before comfortably holding out the late challenge of Ever Loyal by a length in a smart 1.10.07 for the 1200m journey.

Marsh was all smiles as he accepted congratulations in the Ellerslie birdcage after the race.

"We think he is really high class," Marsh said.

"He was up against it today, but he travelled beautifully and won well.

"I think his potential is pretty much untapped.

"He is the coolest horse and I'm just rapt the team have given me another chance with him.

"Waikato Stud have done a super job with him as they have got him right from a couple of little problems.

"It is a big team effort and I'm proud of them."

Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick was also delighted with the victory as he explained what it had taken to get Ardrossan back to the track.

"He had his mishaps in Australia which affected his career," Chittick said.

"He came back with a few heart problems.

"Chris Phillips, our vet, has done a wonderful job with him and, although it is early days yet, he looks like he is going to get back to his best.

"He (Phillips) is an outstanding young man who left no stone unturned to find the best treatment that he could and it certainly looked like it has worked."

Chittick is keen to see the horse tested locally at Group One level before entertaining thoughts of a possible Australian return.

"With great fields all night (at Ellerslie), to prove himself like that our aim now is a nice Group One here," he said.

"If that falls into place then we will go back to Australia with him at his best." – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
$1.6 million Redoute's Choice Colt Sparkles on Debut
Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Aquis Farms $1,600,000 two-year-old Redoute’s Choice colt Prague made his first repayment at his career debut at Canterbury on Friday night.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
$1.1Million Redoute’s Choice Colt
Arrowfield Stud’s legendary sire Redoute’s Choice passed away last year but his legacy stretches long and he hit a home run at Magic Millions on Thursday when his colt from Gresset sold for $1.1million.