3 minute read

The trials and tribulations of Chambord form a lengthy list, but at Otaki he showed exactly what he is capable of when injury-free.

The seven-year-old overcame numerous setbacks to win the fourth race of his career when he lowered the colours of last season’s champion sprinter Start Wondering in Friday’s Listed Fasttrack Insurance Levin Stakes (1200m).

While he may have enjoyed a seven and a-half kilo pull in the weights, Chambord’s effort was nevertheless full of merit.

“He broke down in his final gallop before the Coupland’s Mile three years ago, he shattered his cannon bone and we got him back from that,” said Jamie Richards, who trains the Zabeel gelding with Stephen Autridge.

“That wasn’t his only major injury either. He’s had stress fractures high up in his back and lots of other bits and pieces, but he’s as sound now as he’s ever been.

“He’s been a great horse for the stable and the owners have never moaned with all the things that have gone wrong.”

Richards said they would see how Chambord comes through his Otaki outing before committing to a summer programme.

“We’re always hoping he pulls up fine and he’s nominated for the Railway and the Telegraph, but whether they may be a bit sharp for him we’re not sure.

“There’s a Listed race over 1400m at Te Rapa in a couple of weeks and that could lead up to the Rich Hill Mile if we think he can stretch out to 1600m.”

Chambord sat three back on the rails before he was angled into the clear in the straight by rider Cameron Lammas and they proved too good for a gallant Start Wondering.

“We got a lovely run on the fence and when we came out I knew the second horse had a lot more weight so I bided my time a bit and then got him,” Lammas said.

Cambridge Stud will offer Chambord’s three-quarter brother by Savabeel(Lot 392)during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka in 2018.