Racing: Calveen makes a big impression

The future racing plans of high-class race mare Calveen will be discussed after the running of a $100,000 Group Two event at Te Rapa on April 30.

Calveen scored a hard-fought neck victory over Silky Red Boxer and Santoya in the $100,000 (Group Two) Westernbay Finance Japan/New Zealand Trophy at Tauranga yesterday afternoon.

Following the race the 4-year-old's trainer Lance O'Sullivan revealed that the final decision regarding future racing plans for the athletic race mare would be made by her owners.

"I think the owners will sit down after she races at Te Rapa at the end of the month and decide what they want to do with her," he said.

"She's won Group One and Group Two races in her last two starts so she has outstanding value as a broodmare.

"She's a very classy race mare and has done an outstanding job this season. We had a few problems with her after the Auckland Cup meeting when her form dropped.

"But thanks to the hard work from the staff at Wexford Stables and particularly Jillian Cook we've managed to get this mare back into group-winning form.

"She raced very well today and perhaps she did it a bit easier than the long neck winning margin suggested at the finishing line.

"I thought it was a great ride again from Cameron Lammas as he settled her nicely off the speed and timed his challenging run to perfection in the home straight.

"I'm lucky enough in my first season as a professional trainer to have a horse like Calveen in my stable.

"My brother [Paul O'Sullivan, former head trainer at Wexford Stables] always had a high opinion of this mare and he made the point to me before he shifted to Hong Kong to train that I would have a great season with Calveen.

"He spent a lot of time last season handling this mare patiently and now I'm the one getting all the credit."

Calveen has been an outstanding performer throughout her career, posting eight wins and four minor placings from 19 starts and has a blistering sprint finish when ridden with a sit off the pace.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY