Connections of Hell Raiser (NZ) collected a $40,000 NZ Bloodstock Southern Bonus at Riccarton on Wednesday.

Hell Raiser (3f Any Suggestion – Ice Arena by Deputy Governor) finished sixth but she was the first eligible runner past the post in the NZB Southern Bonus 3YO (1400m).  The race was won by Fully Fledged filly Whackomaco (NZ).

A $5,000 buy at the 2012 NZB South Island 2YO Sale, she was one of three runners vying for the lucrative Bonus.  “This race wasn’t really on the radar,” trainer Steven Prince said.  “She ran fourth and then second so we thought we would have a go.  It’s a really good incentive and that’s what you buy them for.

“The owners have had a couple of handy horses but this was like winning a Melbourne Cup.  They’re on Cloud 9.

Hell Raiser is raced by Nathan Campbell, Adam Brown, Jason Coutts, Charlotte Young and Shane Forgie.  They share $30,000 while Prince takes home $5,000 and the Mercer family, who owned the filly at the time of the Sale, also banking $5,000.

“The owners are passionate about racing and are going back to the South Island Sale next year now that it’s graduates are eligible for the Karaka Million.  It’s all good for racing.”