Imperatriz gives Walker prized Group 1 win

Star New Zealand mare Imperatriz has provided Mark Walker with his first Group 1 victory in Melbourne taking out the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Prior to Friday night’s victory in the 1200m sprint, Walker had only one Australian Group 1 win to his credit, in Brisbane back in 2005, along with 26 in New Zealand and two in Singapore.

But Imperatriz got the monkey off the back for the New Zealand trainer who spent 11 years in Singapore before his return to his native New Zealand early last year to take over at Te Akau Racing following the departure of Jamie Richards to Hong Kong.

Ridden by Te Akau Racing’s retained jockey Opie Bosson, Imperatriz, the $3.60 favourite, scored by a length from Bella Nipotina ($8.50) with Roch ‘N’ Horse ($26) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.

“We’ve been a bit unlucky in Group 1’s, especially in Melbourne over the years, so it was great to get that win tonight,” Walker said.

“I was away for quite a while. I was 11 years in Singapore, but to come back so soon and do it was very satisfying.

“My son Xavier is here tonight as well, so that’s even better.”

Imperatriz entered Friday night’s race having won four times at Group 1 level in New Zealand and was a last start second to Artorius in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick, when grabbed late.

Walker said the daughter of I Am Invincible had had a trouble free preparation but will now head out for a well-earned spell.

“It was a fantastic ride of Opie’s as well and he just timed it perfectly,” Walker said.

“We had to make quite a long, sustained run, so full credit to the mare, she’s a beauty.

“We’ll just get her home to Te Akau Stud and get some of that good New Zealand grass into her and give her a break.”

Bosson admitted to some nerves heading out on Imperatriz but deflected all credit to the mare.

“She’s just got an amazing turn of foot,” Bosson said.

“She can get herself out of trouble and she can run out a strong 1400 (metres), so 1200 wasn’t going to be too much of a problem.

“There was a lot of pressure, I got back probably a couple of spots further than I wanted to, but I ended up getting a nice drag into the race and she done the rest really.”

Bosson said he sensed Bella Nipotina issuing a challenge, but Imperatriz responded to his riding in the final 100m.

“Those ears pinged back, and she gave again,” Bosson said.

“She does tend to like it a little bit when she gets in front by herself, but when she heard that other horse coming, she gave it another crack.”