Kia Ora Koutou, it’s Time to Kick Back.
8 December, 2016
Thoroughbred
Kia Ora Koutou, a name known by many but prenounced correctly by few made his mark in his debut preparation as a three year old last year.
With five wins under his belt, trainer Adam Durrant set his sights on the Group 1 VRC Derby at Flemington with well acquainted jockey Joseph Azzopardi in the saddle.
After placing third in the Derby, Kia Ora Koutou returned home for a well-deserved break.
In February of 2016 the talented gelding by Blackfriars returned with a winning trial, but was unable to secure a win during that preparation.
Durrant gave the three-year-old another break in the hopes that when he returned as a four-year-old in the later months of 2016 he would re-spark the excitement from the previous year.
The turn of the racing season in August saw the six-time leading trainer Durrant pass the reins onto foreman Jason Miller and father Geoff Durrant.
Azzopardi has partnered Kia Ora Koutou in each of his 12 starts and so far this preparation the pair have secured two 5th places and a 3rd in his last start behind Respondent in the Tattersall’s Cup on November 26th.
With Kia Ora Koutou lining up in the listed Japan Racing Association Trophy (2200m) on Saturday, Azzopardi made comment about his ride:
“Last prep he wasn’t really happy and hence he was racing averagely. This prep he seems like a much happier horse,” Azzopardi said.
“He has taken a few runs to get fit and back to his top so on Saturday we should get a good guide as to where he is really.”
Azzopardi, who will be looking for the ride on Kia Ora Koutou in the TABtouch Perth Cup is confident in the gelding’s ability to stay.
“We’re trying to time him right for the cup, the way he’s going he’ll be a real contender,” Azzopardi said.
“He’s a real chance this weekend. I think we’ll start seeing the old Kia Ora and he’ll be back in the winner’s circle soon enough.”
A horse that should not be overlooked, it could finally be time for Kia Ora Koutou to kick back.
Rebecca Shanks