Qatar Bloodstock's Endless Drama Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate

Media Release - Saturday August 17

Fireworks were expected at Te Rapa on Saturday as several of last season's equine stars kicked off their new spring campaigns in the Group II US Navy Flag Foxbridge Plate (1200m) and it was recent Group I  Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) placegetter Endless Drama who delivered with a stunning victory.

Endless Drama - image Trish DunnellThe Tony Pike-trained eight-year-old had been given a short let-up after returning from his Brisbane exertions with Pike mindful of keeping weight off the giant frame of the Lope de Vega entire.

That decision paid off big time as the former Chris Waller-trained galloper paraded as a picture of health before the race with punters installing him an $8 fourth favourite behind the Te Akau Racing pair of Te Akau Shark and Melody Belle and up and comer Helena Baby.

Given an economical trip from an inside barrier, Endless Drama settled in midfield during the early stages of the contest as Malambo and Southern Icon duelled out in front.

Rider Leith Innes had his charge off the fence at the 600m and the combination glided into contention before Innes asked for an effort at the 300m. Endless Drama responded instantly and sprinted clear before holding out the late charge of Te Akau Shark who stormed home from second last to pip outsider Comeback for second.

Pike was delighted with the result as he prepares his charge for a tilt at the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings in a fortnight.

"He's become a real stable pet this horse," Pike said.

He came back from Brisbane in great order and trialled superbly here a couple of weeks ago.

"There was a big query on the track but it was a perfect ride from Leith. The biggest thing is just waiting as he has only got a short, sharp sprint but he waited and waited and got it right today.

"Thanks to Chris Waller for leaving him with me and to Qatar Bloodstock (owners) as they are big investors in the industry."

Pike had been confident of his chances during the race after the way he saw the horse was travelling during the running.

"He settles beautifully in his races although he got a bit further back than we thought.

"1200m is probably a touch short but he was electric late and now we're looking forward to going to Hawkes Bay over 1400m although I'm hoping he won't run into Te Akau Shark as hopefully he is heading to Australia and we don't have to have another crack at him."

Te Akau Racing trainer Jamie Richards was philosophical in defeat after Te Akau Shark produced the run of the race behind the winner, while Melody Belle fought on strongly for fourth after tackling the leaders at the top of the straight.

"He (Te Akau Shark) was beaten by the draw as he got back a long way but 1400m next time should be ideal," he said.

"He will go to Australia now as we have to back our judgement but we'll go home and lick our wounds and we'll be alright.

"She (Melody Belle) just needs 1400m now as she is a year older but she will be fine."

Te Akau Shark will now head to Sydney for the Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400) at Royal Randwick on September 7 with his main mission being the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at the same venue on October 5, while Melody Belle looks likely to clash with Endless Drama again in the Tarzino Trophy on August 31.

The victory represents win number five form 26 starts for Endless Drama who commenced his career in Ireland before joining Chris Waller's Australian stable in late 2016 where he won the Gr.2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) before transferring to Pike earlier this year following an unplaced run in the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m). – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Entries Open For 2025 Inglis Weanling Sales Series
The 2025 Inglis Weanling Sales Series – the most lucrative weanling sales series in the Southern Hemisphere – is now open for entries.
Riccarton 2YO Winner for Maurice
Progressive juvenile Best Rose turned the tables on her key rival at Riccarton Park on Wednesday, scoring an impressive second-up victory in The Tea House At Riccarton Park 2YO (1000m).
Lope de Vega's Vega One Too Strong in MM Cup
Tony Gollan has his eyes firmly fixed on the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap for Vega One after the four-year-old son of Lope de Vega captured Saturday’s $1 million Magic Millions Cup (RL) at the Gold Coast.
Star Turn's Beauty Destiny On Fire in HK
The penny has well and truly dropped for Star Turn’s Beauty Destiny, winning his fourth race in five starts at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Bargain Hellbent Filly Heading For Black Type
Legendary trainer Les Bridge can make something special out of a horse and will likely tackle stakes grade with his up and coming bargain Hellbent filly Scintilla after making it three in a row on Wednesday.
Lope De Vega's Spanish Whisper Strikes in Let's Elope
Seymour Bloodstock’s Spanish Whisper has the race performance and pedigree to grace any broodmare paddock in the land but that has been put on hold as she strives for that elusive Group 1 victory.
Lope De Vega's Phoenix Of Spain Romps in Irish 2000 Guineas
Australian breeders would love another chance with Shamardal (IRE) and his son Lope De Vega (IRE).
Sydney 2YO Wednesday - High Prices and 1st Season Sires
The two year-old race at Warwick Farm on Wednesday is an interesting, and seemingly open, one which sees the second highest priced Farnan yearling of 2024 entered, along with the third highest priced I Am Invincible along with several other first season sire debutants.
Farnan Colt A Debut Winner - Slipper Crack Coming
High priced Farnan colt King Of Pop will be given his chance to get to the Golden Slipper after a debut win at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Breednet on Tour – All Things Cambridge Stud
When my daughter Jasmine was given the task of taking Konasana to New Zealand by her boss Chris Waller it was originally proposed as a likely 10 day trip, but when the Dundeel mare won the $500,000 Group II Westbury Stud Classic on Karaka Million night, plans changed and long story short, Jasmine is still there and will be until next month so I’ve grabbed the opportunity for a working holida