3 minute read
Trainer Karen Zimmerman notched up an important milestone on her last day operating from her current Otaki base when rank outsider Maximillien upset the applecart in the Riverstone Café Maiden (1600m) on Saturday.
Zimmerman, who is shifting her stable north to Byerley Park this week, was sitting on a career tally of 498 wins at the start of the day and moved one closer to the magical 500 mark when Don Blanco was successful in the second race on the programme.
Barely an hour later four-year-old Postponed gelding Maximillien provided the perfect going away present when he stormed home from well back to notch his maiden success and win number 500 for his mentor.A naturally delighted Zimmerman admitted she was taken a little by surprise by the performance.
“He has got ability but he’s also been frustrating,” she admitted.“Jonathan (Riddell) said he was going to drop back from his draw and obviously the mile suited him well but I’m very surprised.
“It’s very special to get the win and I couldn’t be happier.”Earlier in the day Zimmerman acknowledged she might have to make a quick return to the Central Districts thanks to the win of three-year-old Don Blanco.
“He’s a very nice horse,” she said.“I think we might head back down to the Wellington Guineas in three weeks after that performance today.”
Zimmerman and husband Kelvin have leased a 20-horse stable and facilities, including day paddocks, at Byerley Park and will make the move on Tuesday. That will bring to a close just on 30 years operating in the Central Districts where she has produced horses of the calibre of multiple Group One winner Cinder Bella, Rodin, Barinka, Govicar and Hawkes Bay Cup winner King Of Ashford.