Pacheco maintains unbeaten hurdle record

[Wandering Eyes]

Capable flat performer Pacheco continued to make a serious impression as a jumper in the TAB Hurdle (2800m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

With the advantage of former Champion Jump’s Jockey Shaun Phelan as his trainer, Pacheco transitioned into jumps racing with ease at the venue last month when winning a maiden contest.

Moving into 0-1 company, a two-horse race was tipped between Pacheco ($3.50) and fellow last-start winner Mont Ventoux ($2.50), and after jumping away well the son of Makfi settled quietly in fourth under Jay Kozaczek.

Run Jakko Run controlled proceedings through the mid-stages before Mont Ventoux took over and made his claim for back-to-back wins turning for home. Pacheco soon hunted him down and a polished jumping display in the home straight had him drawing away to win by 2 ½ lengths at the post.

Phelan was represented by Elen Nicholas on-course, who was complimentary of Kozaczek’s efforts on the six-year-old.

“It was an excellent ride from Jay, he just tucked him away and was so calm and collected,” she said.

“It was nice to see him do that as he is a strong horse and can run a bit freely, so it was good to see him on the rail and switching off.

“Shaun’s put a lot of work into schooling him, but he’s quite natural as well. You can only teach them so much as they have to have some natural ability to take them the rest of the way.”

The victory was Kozaczek’s second from just six rides since joining the Kiwi riding ranks last month and came close to adding another aboard Captains Run in the 0-1 steeplechase later on the card. 

“He (Pacheco) jumped well and I couldn’t pull him up, he’s got a lot more to offer,” Kozaczek said.

“Shaun does a lot with them so they are all spot on and safe as houses.

“It (his time in New Zealand) has started off amazing, I’ve only been here for three weeks and rode another winner now so I’ll just keep cracking on. I came over here looking for opportunities because I was struggling back home and I’m loving it.”

Bred by Kevin Hickman, Pacheco was purchased for $10,000 by part-owner Thomas Nicholson from gavelhouse.com in 2021 and increased his stakes earnings to just shy of $100,000 with five wins from 24 starts.

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