Trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards grip on this season's New Zealand trainers Premiership took another step forward their impressive Royal Success recording his third successive victory, when scoring in the $22,500 Norris Ward McKinnon 1600 (Rating 75) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The son of Savabeel debut run in April was an encouraging run for fifth placing at Woodville. The three-year-old thenn won his maiden at Pukekohe by 1.5 lengths, then was an easy winner by six lengths at Otaki in a Rating 65 grade.
On Saturday, Royal Success was again too good for the older horses, this time at Rating 75 level. Rider Matt Cameron settled the gelding handy on the outer, the pair strode up to take the lead with less than 200 metres to run and held on by a neck from Maestro Tom, with Roc de Bank in third place.
The win was even more impressive, with rider Matt Cameron dropping his whip during the straight.
"That was a top performance. He's a very progressive horse. His owners have been very patient. He deserves a break now. He could develop into a lovely progressive staying horse next season," said co-trainer Jamie Richards.
The win was Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards' 98th victory for the season. The pair hold a 6 win advantage over their closest rivals Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, despite the Cambridge training partnership recording a double here on Saturday.
Royal Success was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $250,000 at the 2014 Karaka Ready to Run Sale. The gelding is out of is a Listed-winning mare Royal Show. She is the dam of five winners from six foals to race including the Australian Group Two winner Folding Gear.
