2 Aug 2019Debutante Papagena showed admirable fighting qualities this afternoon to make the perfect start to her career at Riccarton.
The Tavistock filly made the running under apprentice Sanu Toolooa, who kept the three-year-old well away from the fence.
In testing conditions, Papagena rallied gallantly in the closing 200 metres to score for local trainers Kevin and Pam Hughes.
“It’s a bit special to win first-up. It’s great when it works out and I’m thrilled for the horse, the connections and Sanu,” Kevin Hughes said.
Papagena is raced by her Canterbury breeders Rodger and Emily Findlay, long-time supporters of the stable.
She is a daughter of the Keeper mare Pamina, who was successful on five occasions. Pamina is owned by Cambridge Stud's very own Jason and Katy Smith.
This is the family of the Gr.3 Birthday Card Stakes winner Imana, who was also a multiple Group Two placegetter.