Haunui Grad Heading to VRC Derby

TUTUKAKA (NZ) (Tavistock) delivered the ultimate lockdown boost on Wednesday when he powered to victory in the Listed Geelong Classic (2200m) and cemented his place in the G1 VRC Derby.

A half-brother to two-time Horse of the Year and 14-time G1 winner, MELODY BELLE (NZ) (Commands), TUTUKAKA was a member of our Karaka 2020 yearling draft where he fetched $250,000 to the bid of Cambridge trainer, Tony Pike. 

A stakes winner and stakes performer at 2YO in Queensland, his trainer has long had the VRC Derby on the radar for TUTUKAKA and for many, including the team here at Haunui and TUTUKAKA's breeder, Marie Leicester, Saturday 30th November can't come soon enough.

Haunui Farm's Mark Chitty says, "As we all know it is frustrating times here in Auckland at the moment but a result like that leading into one of Australia's most iconic Classic races, certainly puts a spring in the step.  What makes it even better is that we own a share in him as well as we have been supporters of Tony's colt syndicates since their inception a few years ago.  And for Marie Leicester, to have the dam of New Zealand's greatest G1 winner and potentially a Derby winner, well that's pretty exciting stuff and Meleka Belle certainly got a few extra pats from the foaling team overnight on Wednesday in the foaling paddock."