Kyvalley Ray Doubles Group One Tally

Australian raider Kyvalley Ray (NZ) (Bold Eagle) continues to go from strength-to-strength in his New Zealand campaign, which was evident at Alexandra Park last Friday when he demolished his rivals in the Group One NZ Sires’ Stakes 3YO Trotters Championship (2200m).

Backed into a $1.40 favourite, the exciting squaregaiter was beaten for early speed, initially settling three back on the fence before driver Blair Orange sent him around to challenge Petite Amour (NZ) (What The Hill) for the lead, which he found down the back straight.

That proved to be the winning of the race, with Kyvalley Ray left untouched upfront and he powered away to an effortless four length victory over the up-and-coming Our Col (NZ) (Father Patrick). 

Orange was pleased with Kyvalley Ray’s improved racing manners after he raced a bit fiercely when winning at Alexandra Park a week prior in the Listed NZB Standardbred 3YO Trotters Harness Million Mobile Trot (2200m).

“He was very tractable tonight and he did it very nicely,” Orange said.

“There was a bit of pressure early when the gate left and he never got carried away, which was great. He really relaxed well and when he found the front he flopped along, unlike last week.

“He is just learning all the time and I just think the run last week may have just taken that edge off him a bit too.”

Orange is now looking forward to driving him in the Group One Northern Trotting Derby (2700m) on Friday.

“The pleasing bit for me was down the back straight when pulling up and Johnny (Dunn) came up alongside me, he really grabbed his hook again to get going. It is looking good for the Derby next week.”

Kyvalley Ray’s Australian-based trainer Brent Lilley was trackside last Friday, having made the trip across the Tasman after receiving positive feedback from caretaker trainer Hayden Cullen.

“I have been back in Melbourne, so Hayden (Cullen) has been in charge,” Lilley said. “He messaged me on Wednesday and said he was rapt with his work and he seemed a bit sharper than last week, so that was enough for me to hop on a plane and come over.”

Bred by 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 the 2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale in Christchurch where he was purchased by Kyvalley Racing for $100,000, and subsequently joined Brent Lilley’s Victorian barn.

Kyvalley Ray has now won seven of his 11 starts, including two at elite-level, and he has earned more than $266,000 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