Not to be outdone by her paddock mate’s win at Rangiora on Sunday, 5yo mare Kusanova roared home at Methven on Monday to take out the Hanley Products Mobile Pace in a rousing finish. Victory was just reward for Kusanova’s efforts over the summer that saw her run a string of minor placings after her maiden win at Timaru in October.
Drawing the outside of the front row, driver Matty Williamson had no option but to take favourite Kusanova to the back of the capacity field. From there she edged into the race before launching a sustained run in the straight to get up by a nose from second favourite Ruby’s A Delight. “She was feeling it at the end, but really wanted to win,” Matty told us after the race. “It was her determination that got her over the line.”
Trainer Trent Yesberg was absolutely thrilled with the effort. “Nova’s been well rewarded for a consistent season,” he said. “She’s been up for a long time and had some really good runs without a lot of luck, as her many 4ths and 5ths show.”
Trent was quick to commend his staff for the work they’ve done with Kusanova during a long campaign. “Anna and Sarah have worked really hard to keep her happy and in shape. They are both dedicated and deserve a lot of credit for the win.”
Kusanova’s season has been a long one between drinks for her owners the Kabello Bloodstock Syndicate. “The horse is very honest and a pleasure to train for the owners, said Trent. “It’s great she could do the job for them today, before she heads for the spelling paddock.”
The win will be especially satisfying for Kabello manager Sam Langrope, who bred Kusanova out of his mare Kusadasi. The broodmare’s first foal was Kusadasi, winner of six, then came Kusanova and in 2019 a colt by Always B Miki that Sam sold for $60,000 at this year’s NZB Yearling Sales.
Kusanova will now go for a break of six to eight weeks, joining her buddy Majestic Action for some time away from the stable. In many ways their seasons have been in parallel, and for us at Ripple Creek it is rewarding at every level for them to finish their campaigns on a high.
