Racing: Million-dollar colt scores impressive debut win

Don Garcia lived up to his huge reputation when he scored an effortless debut win in the Bay Ford Juvenile at Hastings yesterday.

The son of Danehill, a $1.05 million yearling purchase from the sales at Karaka this year, scored by 3 1/4 lengths in the 800-metre event, a margin which could have been much greater, said rider Michael Walker.

"He did it very easily, he's a very exciting horse," Walker said.

"He still hasn't had a hit with the whip behind the saddle and I can't wait until I really have to ask him for an effort."

Don Garcia sat outside the leader, Ifionlyhadtime, until the home turn before cruising past him early in the home straight. Walker said Don Garcia was shying away from the winning post and looking around over the final stages, but still proved too good for his four rivals.

Ifionlyhadtime held second by a long neck from Mon Reve and they were well clear of the other two.

Don Garcia is owned by a syndicate managed by David Ellis of Te Akau Stud and is trained by Mark Walker at Matamata.

The trainer said the horse will now go to Trentham for the Wellesley Stakes on October 22.

Captain Kurt set himself up for a clash with star colts Darci Brahma and Dr Green in the Hawke's Bay Guineas in a fortnight's time with a super-impressive win in the Curraghmore Stud Premier (1300m). Rider Noel Harris said there was still plenty of improvement in the horse.

"That was his first run for four months and he doesn't look that good in the coat yet, so, I think, he can only get better," Harris said.

Captain Kurt was caught three-wide midfield in the early stages of the 1300-metre event so Harris elected to push forward and tracked the pacemaking Pinmdown into the straight. He shot to the front soon after and won with plenty in reserve.

Co-trainer Wayne Hillis said Captain Kurt would return to Hastings for the Guineas next month.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY