The first runner for Lovatsville’s debut sire Fierce Impact is now a winner, with promising filly Zelia breaking through for her maiden victory at Riccarton on Saturday.
After bursting onto the scene with a stunning 15-length trial win in September, promising two-year-old Zelia has bounced back from a challenging debut to claim her first race victory on a firmer track.
Trained by David Walsh and ridden by Leah Hemi, Zelia dug deep to edge out Best Rose (Maurice) by a head, with Fourofus (Tivaci) finishing third.
The win marks an exciting start for Zelia, who is the first runner for Fierce Impact, a Japanese-bred son of legendary sire Deep Impact. Fierce Impact began his career in the UK before finding his stride as one of Australia’s premier milers. Crowned Australia’s Champion Middle Distance Horse in 2020, Fierce Impact boasts an illustrious resume that includes Group 1 victories in the Cantala Stakes, Toorak Handicap, and Makybe Diva Stakes. He now stands at Lovatsville Stud in Victoria, where he has been in high demand, covering over 500 mares in his first four seasons.
Zelia’s Bloodlines
Zelia is the second foal of Kakariko Village, a mare by Shooting To Win. Kakariko Village is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Bonham, adding further depth to Zelia’s pedigree. Her fourth dam, Danendri, was Australasia’s top filly in 1997, winning the AJC Oaks, while the family also boasts VRC Oaks winner Faint Perfume.
A bargain buy, Zelia was purchased for just $11,000 at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in 2023 from Fairview Park Stud.
Future Promise
Zelia’s dam, Kakariko Village, has since produced another yearling filly by Fierce Impact and was returned to him last season. If Zelia’s early form is any indication, this could be the beginning of an exciting line of progeny for Fierce Impact.