3 minute read
The talented Mr Nancho gelding Nacho Man confirmed his definite left-hand racing preference with a dominant win in the G1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni on April 3.
Trained by brothers Mike and Paul Moroney, Nacho Man has thrice been given the opportunity to race anti-clockwise and on each occasion he has rewarded his owners Christopher Grace, Tom & Shelley Murtagh, Michael Clements and Peter Pang with the best of results.
Ridden handy to the pace by Craig Grylls on Saturday, Nacho Man seized the lead from Cellarmaster (Dubawi) with 100m to run and drew away thereafter, crossing for the noted Gr.1 win in a time of 1.23 on the good Awapuni track.
At the line, he had gained a 1 ¼ length advantage over the bold frontrunner Cellarmaster, with Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park) putting in plenty for third ½ a neck away.
Making the win all the more notable was the fact that it was the first Gr.1 winner for Stoney Bridge's Southern Halo sire Mr Nancho, it was the third win in the event for his trainers behind Happyanunoit (1998) and Jokers Wild (2006) and because of the fact that the horse suffers a breathing difficulty.
Despite left side paralysis of his larynx, the smart juvenile has amassed a record of 3 wins from 5 outings, with additional black-type attained in the Listed Matamata Slipper (1200m) at start three.
With $153,125 in earnings now banked, Nacho Man (NZ) has well and truly repaid each of his earlier Karaka sale ring invoices.
Offered at the 2008 NZB National Weanling Sale, the Twin Pines draft member was initially sold to Mr BG & Mrs A Henry for $15,000.
Returning to the Karaka sales arena as a yearling, he was then purchased by Esker Lodge's Tom and Shelley Murtagh from the 2009 Festival Yearling Sale consignment of Maara Grange for $27,000.
“He was the best horse at that sale. I'd seen him at Maara Grange beforehand and I fell in love with him,” recalled Paul Moroney, the astute purchaser of 28 individual Gr.1 winners.
“I had wanted to buy him, but by that stage of the sales series, I'd ran out of ammunition.
“I happened to be talking to Shelley and Tom at a bar afterwards though and they told me they had bought lot 1679. I didn't need to open the catalogue to see that one because he was the best horse in the final session and I told them as much.”
Subsequently sent to Moroney due to his high regard, Nacho Man has continued to impress all involved.
“He's up there as one of the best 2YO's we've ever had,” said Paul.
“Happyanunoit was heads and shoulders the best 2YO we had and maybe the best horse full stop. Jokers Wild was a champion 2YO. He was a high class colt, who could run both ways, so he didn't have the chink in the armour that this guy has.
“Nacho Man's biggest asset though is his maturity. He's a big, strong, powerful horse.”
To be spelled now, the future - if not a little uncertain, looks bright.
“There is a possibility that he could go up to Singapore to his part-owner Michael Clements' yard for the Juvenile Championship in May, but this will be up to his owners,” said Moroney.
“Dependent on what they decide, he could well end up at Mike's Melbourne stable in the spring.”
Bred by Stoney Bridge Thoroughbred Ltd, Nacho Man (NZ) is the leading ambassador for his first season sire Mr Nancho, the Champion Miler in Argentina in 2003/04.
Standing at Stoney Bridge Waikato for $4,500 in 2009/10, Mr Nancho has only had the three runners to date; with his oldest progeny being 2YO's this season.
The said Gr.1 winner's dam El Coriero (The Jogger) was a two time winner at 1200m in New Zealand and has produced the two winners Nacho Man & China Doll from three to race.