New Zealand mare The Real Beel has had a triumphant homecoming after a disappointing Australian campaign, winning the Group Two Isuzu Stakes at Te Rapa.
The pint-sized four-year-old had four unplaced runs in Melbourne during September and October for trainer David Brideoake before owner, Waikato Stud boss Garry Chittick, took her back across the Tasman.
Back in the care of trainer Jim Pender, The Real Beel started at $25 in Saturday’s 1600m race for fillies and mares.
Craig Grylls had the mare midfield until the final 150m where she hit the front and held off the challenge from Guillada by a neck.
“It’s amazing and for Garry to give her back to me. I’m just absolutely rapt,” Pender told NZ Racing Desk.
“She didn’t have a lot of luck in Australia.
“She’s a funny little girl as I had to change around a few boxes until she was happy and comfortable when she got home.
“My son (Kelly) does all the work on her.
“He just loves her and she just gets on so well with him.”
The Real Beel has been served with connections waiting final confirmation of her pregnancy.
“I believe she is in foal to Tivaci, although I’m not sure, so with her being in foal we need to pick these black-type races otherwise she might as well be in the paddock,” Pender said.
“I’ll talk to Garry and see if he has a plan and we can work from there.”
