Te Akau score quinella at Casterton

[Wandering Eyes]

Te Akau scored a kiwi bred quinella in an action-packed Two Rivers Steeplechase at Casterton on Sunday, as Steven Pateman and The Mighty Spar (NZ) (Savabeel) pulled clear of Prismatic (NZ) (Savabeel) and Will Gordon late.

The Mighty Spar was supported late ($3.20 into $2.80) to take favouritism from his stablemate ($2.30 out to $3.50) and got a perfect run for most of the 3800-metre contest.

Despite guest appearances from an enthusiastic but riderless Flying Pierro, and a gawking kangaroo, The Mighty Spar jumped beautifully throughout and took the lead as the field began the final lap.

Pateman quickened things upon return from the open country, and his mount never looked like being caught from there, streaking seven lengths clear of Prismatic in the run home.

It was a hugely enjoyable, albeit action-packed win for Pateman, who missed riding on the second and third days of this year’s Warrnambool carnival after a fall on the Tuesday.

“That was fantastic – so much fun. He’s a really cool little horse,” he said with a grin post-race.

“First time out the back, there was a big (kangaroo) and I couldn’t stop staring at it! Then Custom Of The Sea and Tommy Ryan’s horse (Aquileon) sort of jumped underneath me.

“I was like, ‘snap out of it – it’s just a kangaroo’… I was on a Kiwi (horse), I’ve seen plenty of roos, but he hasn’t.

“He’s obviously won around here, so he knew where he was going – it was super fun.”

Pateman thanked Te-Akau’s Ben Gleeson for securing his spot on the talented chaser, who has won both of his starts over the live hedges.

He also noted the support of the ‘Tangerine Army’ amongst the Victorian jumps scene, which has been notable since Te Akau opened an Australian base in 2023.

“Shoutout to Ben Gleeson for getting me the ride, I really love the horse,” he said.

“Te Akau, they’ve got beautiful Kiwi-bred and non-Kiwi-bred horses for the game, and they’re beautifully prepared.”

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