Republican Party (NZ) Trumps Rivals in Hannon Memorial

The best could be yet to come from Republican Party (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) following his big fresh-up win in the $38,000 Group Three Placemakers Hannon Memorial (2600m) at Oamaru on Sunday.

The NZB Standardbred graduate didn’t let a lack of recent racing count against him when he ran to a strong front-running victory for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety and driver Blair Orange.

The Dalgety stable is timing their run into the Group One New Zealand Cup and Sunday’s feature was the starting point for what the trainers hope is a big campaign.

As impressive as their pacer was, the Dalgetys expect Republican Party to get better with the benefit of more spring racing.

“We would love to think we could improve again off this run, he should as there is nothing like a race to bring a horse on,” Cran Dalgety said.
“It is another thing to go out there and do it again but you can’t help but think we are in a good spot going forward.”

Republican Party prevailed in a thrilling finish, putting his condition to the test on Sunday.

Dalgety was delighted with the fight his pacer showed when he could have been vulnerable.

“It obviously got a bit tight that last 100m, the other horses are a bit tighter and had a bit more racing, but we are lucky that our fellow has a bit of tenacity about him,” Cran Dalgety said.
“Blair said he was tired that last few strides but he wanted to win and he did, which is always a sign of a good horse.”

Republican Party has raced in top company throughout his career since hitting the track as a two-year-old.

The pacer joined Kentuckiana Lodge after his purchase by Dalgety when the pacer was offered among the Price Bloodstock draft for $210,000 at the 2020 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

After competing with merit in the free-for-all ranks last year, Dalgety thinks Republican Party has established himself alongside New Zealand’s best aged pacers.

“We see it time and time again that nice juveniles come through and they do get a shock when they hit free-for-all racing.”
“He has placed a lot in the better races last year and he was lucky enough to win the Canterbury Classic.”
“But I feel after having that year under his belt he is going to be very competitive this year.”

Pinseeker (NZ) (Downbytheseaside) ran a slashing second in the Hannon Memorial, only going down by a half-head margin for trainer-driver Jonny Cox.

The pacer was picked up for just $4200 out of the Woodlands Stud draft at the 2020 All Aged Sale.