Perfect Scenario retired

[Wandering Eyes]

Group One performer Perfect Scenario has been retired following his unplaced run in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton last week.

The eight-year-old son of Iffraaj has been a stable stalwart for Te Akau Racing’s southern base at Riccarton Park over the last couple of seasons and retires the winner of 11 of his 59 starts, with $570,000 in earnings.

He was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis out of Woburn Farm’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $165,000 and has given his syndicate members some great memories over the last few years.

He started his career out of Te Akau’s Matamata base as a juvenile where he placed on debut. He returned as a three-year-old where he won his maiden first-up and doubled his tally at his next start before placing in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) later that season.

He headed to the South Island as a five-year-old where he thrived, winning back-to-back editions of the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight-For-Age (1600m) before finishing second in this year’s running.

He also placed in the Listed Timaru Stakes (1400m), Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic (1600m), and was fourth in a Gr.1 Otaki-Maori Weight For Age Classic (1600m).

Mark Walker, who trained Perfect Scenario in partnership with Sam Bergerson, said he was a key figure in their Riccarton barn and quickly became a stable favourite.

“He was a great servant of the stable and so consistent year in and year out,” he said.

“He became such a favourite of the stable and in particular he loved racing from our stable in the South Island where he had a great affinity with the tracks at Wingatui and Riccarton.

“To have him retire as sound as the day he first arrived at the stables is great testament to all the staff that worked with him over the years.

“He’ll have a really happy retirement and make into a lovely show horse.”

Part-owner Michael Ormsby has fond memories racing Perfect Scenario and said he now deserves a great retirement.

“He won 11 races and deserves every accolade he gets regarding his retirement,” Ormsby said.

“He was a special racehorse and loved by everyone at the stables. He was honest to a tee, and after giving all his owners so many thrills I think it’s a good time to retire him while he’s sound and happy.

“He’s too good a horse to continue racing when he’s probably just past his best now and especially when he’s carrying top weights because of the Group races he won.

“He’s been a wonderful horse and everyone loved him. They’re special horses, the ones like Perfect Scenario.”

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