This season's New Zealand Bloodstock Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year Jennifer Eccles has enjoyed five weeks in the paddock in mild conditions in the Waikato. She is thriving at Paul Pertab's Matamata agistment farm and will return to the Shaune Ritchie stable on Monday, 18 May.
During my 15 years presenting for TAB Trackside I recall giving Zonda - the star 3YO of the 1997-1998 season - the title of 'The People's Horse'. Everyone was talking about the young Derby-winning Zabeel horse who was prepared by Roger James. I reckon Jennifer Eccles has had a similar following this season - maybe she deserves that same title?
Her Three-Year-Old season in review
* WON Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks-Gr.1 (2400m)
* WON Little Avondale Lowland Stakes-Gr.2 (2100m)
* WON David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic-Gr.2 (2000m)
* WON SkyCity Eight Carat Classic-Gr.2 (1600m)
* SECOND GavelHouse.com NZ 1000 Guineas-Gr.1 (1600m)
* THIRD NZB Desert Gold Stakes-Gr.3 (1600m)
* THIRD Barneswood Farm Soliloquy Stakes-Gr.3 (1400m)
* FOURTH Hawkes Bay Breeders' Gold Trail Stakes-Gr.3 (1200m)
