Samantha Collett celebrates aboard Herman Munster, while Dubhdara shades Amirar for second and third. Kenton Wright www.raceimages.co.nz
Herman Munster (5 B. G. Traditionally – H’Ani, by Woodman) gave Waverley trainer Sam Lennox his greatest moment in racing when he outstayed his rivals in a torrid paced $80,000, Listed, Clarry Kelland Memorial Taumarunui Gold Cup (2100m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
On Slow8 footing, Herman Munster clocked a sharp time of 2:11.59 for 2100-metres under a perfect ride from Samantha Collett.
Seeking (Cache Of Gold) had provided Lennox with his biggest success previously when taking out the Gr3 Easter Challenge Stakes at Riccarton in 2002, during a career of twelve wins.
It was only after the way Herman Munster came through the Parliamentary Handicap at Trentham when finishing one-length second to Strapped For Cash, a fortnight earlier in very testing conditions, that Lennox gave thought to running in the Taumarunui Cup.
“I never really thought of this race until after the Parliamentary where he was so competitive with Strapped For Cash (who finished 8th), and I thought, why not? I went out to him on the Sunday after the race and he chased me round trying to knock the bucket of feed out of my hand and I thought ‘bugger yah’ I’ll line you up.”
“I give him four-days off after each race and I rode him myself on the Thursday after the Parliamentary and he was just amazing, so I thought we’ll definitely go. His work has been sensational.”
Lennox pointed out that the form of Herman Munster around the favourite Amirar (Ekraar) was hardly disparaging, as her previous start had resulted in a narrow victory over Strapped For Cash (D’Cash) at Avondale, who then went on to win the Parliamentary, next time out.
Despite the form, Herman Munster returned $12.40 & $3.60 on the tote while Amirar started a 5-2 favourite and fought resolutely for third after racing in fourth throughout.
In transit, Collett remained beyond midfield aboard Herman Munster, letting the pace unfold in front of her, to be twelfth of fifteen at the 800-metres.
Improving from the 600-metres from seven-lengths off the pace, ‘Herman’ sustained a big run to challenge at the furlong and he worked clear late to win by one-and-a-quarter-lengths.
Dubhdara (Shinko King), trained by Karen Zimmerman at Otaki, provided the Central Districts with a quinella in the event.
Herman Munster had been impressive winning previously on both heavy and slow footing, giving Lennox the confidence to aim him towards the New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton in November.
Lennox said, “I don’t think he’s a genuine firm tracker, but over two-miles if the ground is firm, who knows?”
Lennox races Herman Munster with his brother Guy (Coach of the Wanganui Rugby team) and their mother Joan after buying him as a two-year-old for $5,000 at the 2006 New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale.
He was bred and offered for sale by Peter McKenzie at Strathcarron Stud, who bought the mare in foal from Dick Karreman at the Oaks Stud.
Lennox said, “Every horse I buy is out of a mare that has left winners and H’Ani had had four to the races for four winners. One was Jukebox Johnny (Marju). He ran second to Zipping in the Sandown Classic and was a good horse trained by Mick Price, and Aguila Carrera (Elnadim) that raced here a couple of years ago is a half-sister. And, now she’s had six for six, H’Ani.”
Although not all was true and correct at sale time with Herman Munster.
“I got him for nothing because his tail was chewed off, he had long wool on him and his legs were as long then as they are now and he was only 15.2 at the time, but I had a look at the paper (pedigree page) and ‘it’ said you’ve got to have him.”
After the victory, Lennox said, “I was in shock. I won a group three before, but this is huge. I thought this horse was no good for so long. We tried him as a two-year-old and he ran last in every jump-out, and he was that close to being sacked. Lisa Allpress rode him one day and said ‘line him over 2000-metres and he’ll win’. He then went on to win second-up over 2000-metres and this year he’s just a far better galloper. On the track at home he now gallops like an open handicapper.”
Lennox farms 1000-acres in partnership with his brother, on flat land, comprising 1500 ewes and 800 cattle. “It’s pretty intensive”, said Lennox, “But it’s a good farm – Waverley is good farmland.”
A consistent performer, not without a bit of ability, Herman Munster has registered four wins and seven seconds from fifteen starts for earnings just short of $100,000.
Earlier on the card, Samantha Collett had gained victory aboard Salvatore (5 B. G. Howbaddouwantit – Just Berceuse, by Oregon) trained by Anne Herbert at Cambridge. Collett made the most of a pick-up ride after Michael Coleman was rendered unable to fulfil his engagements with a bout of influenza.