Backing up on his favourite track, Karaka Select Sale graduate King Montrose claimed his first victory at stakes level in the G3 Lindauer Stewards Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton on Wednesday.

King Montrose (6g King’s Chapel – Dorrington by Tights) had been placed in the LR Pegasus Stakes on Saturday and was allowed to dictate terms out in front under jockey Hayden Tinsley yesterday.

Trainer Neill Ridley was thrilled with the result and rated the win as one of his best in racing.  “He loves Riccarton,” commented Ridley.  “We weren’t overly confident coming into the race but the rain certainly helped and so did a good barrier and a good jockey.”

Bred by Rodney Schick, Steve Till and Windsor Park Stud, King Montrose was purchased for $26,000 at the NZB 2007 National Weanling Sale.  He was later offered by Timberlee Thoroughbreds at the 2008 Karaka Select Sale where he was purchased by Ridley for $25,000.

The Stewards Stakes improved King Montrose’s record to 9 wins from 27 starts and $150,000 in stakes.  His dam Dorrington has thrown 8 winners topped by Explosive Burst (Success Express) who was a G1 winner of the Scottsville Gold Medallion in South Africa.

KING MONTROSE
Windsor Park bred sprinter is a two-time Karaka graduate