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The Auckland tracks have recently returned to horse racing with a meeting after being away for 22 months because of the installation of the StrathAyr surface. Even though there were various horse racing events going on, the eyes were set on Ellerslie. The only race worth NZ$65000, Aotearoa Classic Preview, has been a huge hit.
The major attraction at the event was Kiwi sensation Legarto worth $1.75, who recently returned to horse racing. Along the same lines, Legarto did not disappoint its spectators. Interestingly, Legato became a huge sensation after claiming the Australian Guineas Award.
Aotearoa Classic Preview was a testament to greatness by one young stallion
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On Sunday, the Ken and Bev Kelso-trained equestrian was the first to tackle last year’s Golden Eagle and exploded to take her straight eighth win from 11 starts. To share the ecstasy among the spectators, World Horse Racing took to their official Twitter account and posted a video clip of Legarto racing at lightning speed.
Welcome back Ellerslie…and welcome back LEGARTO! 👏
The G1 Australian Guineas winner takes out the Aotearoa Classic Preview as racing returns to New Zealand’s premier racecourse for the first time in almost two years! 🇳🇿pic.twitter.com/DPnZkqlEiD
— World Horse Racing (@WHR) January 14, 2024
Along with the picture, they penned, “Welcome back, Ellerslie…and welcome back, LEGARTO! The G1 Australian Guineas winner takes out the Aotearoa Classic Preview as racing returns to New Zealand’s premier racecourse for the first time in almost two years!“ Although Jockey Ryan Elliot was over Legarto for the eighth time, the recent run was quite exceptional.
In an exclusive interview with racenet, Elliot said, “She’s jumped OK today and it was actually good for her as she was able to ping out the gates and put herself in the race,”. The jockey appreciated the way how Legarto handled Ellerslie before the $1 million Aotearoa Classic. Sunday was the first time a racing event was held at the Ellerslie in the past two years.
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Why Ellerslie was closed for the past 22 months?
Recently, Ellerslie opened after 22 months of closure. Unfortunately, the home to most esteemed racing days, Ellerslie underwent reconstruction to add the new StrathAyr surface. After having an inaugural meeting with competitive Barfoot and Thompson Ellerslie, the racing home was opened to commence the Aotearoa Classic.
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Eventually, Ken and Bev Kelso trained Legarto, took over the stage once again, and shined brightly. The last time Legarto won the racing event was at the Australian Guineas G1 star, where she managed to race, denying a fairytale result for Mitchell Freedman and Attrition. But the question is, will Legarto be able to maintain its undefeated streak after winning the current championship title?
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