Group One Plan Comes To Fruition For Kyvalley Ray

Kyvalley Ray (NZ) (Bold Eagle) continued his upward trajectory when sealing his first elite-level victory at Addington Raceway last Friday when taking out the Group One Sires’ Stakes Series 2YO Championship (1980m).

The Brent Lilley-trained juvenile has had a golden run at the Christchurch track, having won his first start in his homeland back in September before finishing runner-up to exciting filly Duchess Maria. He then returned to winning form in the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO Mobile Trot (1980m) last month.

He was freshened and left in the care of Rolleston trainers Hayden and Amanda Telfer while Lilley returned to Australia, and he thrived in his new environment ahead of his major spring target at Addington Raceway on Show Day.

Off his stellar form, punters backed him into $1.70 favouritism, but he didn’t have it his own way, having to overcome a tough trip sitting parked to reward their support when running out a three-quarters of a length victor over a game Petite Amour.

Driver Blair Orange was pleased to add another Group One win to his record and said his charge showed plenty of quality to overcome his tough trip.

“Brad Williamson (driver of Becky’s Girl) came out with a bit of purpose and then his one blew to bits,” he said. “I was having to find my feet early and I had a wee look at Johnny (driver of Petite Amour), but I knew straight away that the front wasn’t available. 

“They did trot along a bit. He really just dropped the bridle and relaxed beautifully out there. When Johnny started to trot a bit rough around the last corner I just put a bit of pressure on him to hold Johnny up a bit. To this guy’s credit, he really fought back when Johnny came at him. He is a lovely animal.”

A New Zealand campaign had been on expat Kiwi Lilley’s mind for some time with Kyvalley Ray, and he is rapt the trip has netted two stakes wins, culminating in his Show Day triumph.

“Many thanks to Hayden and Amanda Cullen for all the hard work they have put in. We have been in Melbourne, so it is great when a plan comes off,” he said.

“We always knew that he had a good motor. He was a bit naughty early, before we gelded him, and his manners are getting better and better. We just hoped he continued to improve, and he has. 

“He sat parked the whole way and did it the hard way. Let’s hope we are here next year for the slot trot (The Ascent).”

Bred by trotting maestro Phil Williamson, Kyvalley Ray is by Champion French trotter Bold Eagle and out of Group Three winner and 2018-19 New Zealand 4YO Trotting Mare of the Year Kenny’s Dream.

He was offered at last year’s NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale at Christchurch where he was purchased by Kyvalley Racing for $100,000, and subsequently joined Lilley’s Victorian barn.

Kyvalley Ray showed plenty of ability early on, winning two of his four starts in Australia, and secured his ticket back to New Zealand with victory at Shepparton in August.

He has now won five of his eight starts and earned nearly $150,000 in prizemoney.

Vendor	Ms BA Williamson
Purchaser	Kyvalley Racing
Owner(s)	J W Connelly, S Maxwell
Breeding	Bold Eagle - Kenny's Dream
Sale	2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale, Christchurch ($100,000)
Breeder(s)	P M Williamson