Willow Glen Stud sire Minstrel Court welcomed his first winner at Thames in NZ on Saturday.

The Musician (3g Minstrel Court – Carrots by Ishiguru) landed a first-up victory in the Thames Valley Insurance Maiden (1000m).  He came from midfield to score by a half-length for Te Akau Syndicate manager David Ellis.

At his only other run, The Musician was well beaten at Hastings in October.  “It’s great to get the first winner for Minstrel Court,” Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman said.  “He was one of the colts through our system.  He had a lot of speed and was a very good galloper.

“The trouble with The Musician was getting him to go slow enough.  The 1000 metres is his go and I believe they don’t program enough 1000m races in New Zealand.”

Minstrel Court (Danehill Dancer) was bred and sold by Swettenham Stud for $100,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions National yearling sale.

Exported to New Zealand, he was a Listed winner of the 2008 Fairview Ford Slipper Stakes at Matamata carrying Te Akau’s tangerine and blue colours.  He trained on as a three year-old for placings in the LR Wanganui Guineas and G1 NZ Two Thousand Guineas.

Studmaster Mike Cooney stands him for a $3,000 (plus gst) fee at Willow Glen which is located between Waimate and Oamaru on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.