Jumal Wins Northern Debut in Group Two Classic

It was a happy return to Alexandra Park last Friday for former Auckland trainer Steven Reid, with the Rangiora-based horseman collecting his second victory in the Group Two Alabar 3YO Classic (2200m) courtesy of Jumal (NZ) (Downbytheseaside). 

Reid won the race in 2010 with Gold Ace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and he was delighted to double his tally with Jumal, who was having his first public hit-out on a right-handed track.

Reid had been pleased with his work going in that direction and any fears were allayed when he led throughout and ran away to a comfortable three-length victory in the hands of Samantha Ottley.

“He is just so special and I am just so lucky to be sitting behind him,” Ottley said.

“It was his first look around the Park, and it can be a big ask first time for South Island horses coming up here, but he is just a true professional and handled it all in his stride.”

Jumal is by Downbytheseaside and out of Badlands Hanover mare Beaudiene Blinkz, a full-sister to six-time Group One winner Beaudiene Boaz and Group One winner Beaudiene Bad Babe, who has gone on to produce Group One performer Bad To The Bone.

Bred by Dave Kennedy, Jumal was offered through his Beaudiene Breeding (SBSR) 2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Reid for $95,000.

Jumal is raced by Reid’s partner Bella Storer and stable client Malcolm Wrigley, and he has been an outstanding proposition for the trio, winning eight and placing in one of his nine starts to date, earning more than $255,000 in prizemoney, and he was crowned Champion New Zealand Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding for his deeds on the track last season.