Racing: Savvy Jim attempts Karaka coup

Jim Bruford. Photo / Trish Dunell

Jim Bruford has tasted success in some big races.

The New Zealand Bloodstock insurance guru will try for the biggest prize of all when Savvy Coup lines up in today's Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie.

Savvy Coup isn't the sole major race winner to run for Bruford, who became widely known in thoroughbred circles through his time with New Zealand Bloodstock.

A short-term stint in 1993 under managing director Joe Walls grew into a 24-year management role, which took NZB to Australasia's top bloodstock insurer.

"I loved it and stayed," Bruford said. "But last year I handed management over to Mark Lock and I don't work as many hours now."

Currently acting as an insurance advisor to the company, he saw many fine horses go through the Karaka sales ring and had a hand in looking after the bloodstock insurance needs of thousands of clients.

Always with an eye on the action, Bruford has made numerous purchases in the auction ring but his first big race winner was a private purchase, Piper Star.

Raced by his wife, Anne, and their three children - Anthony, Fraser and Callum and friend Jim Piper, the Roger James-trained mare won the Gr. 2 Carylon Cup (1600m) and the Gr.3 Matriach Stakes (2000m).

Bruford has also raced a number of horses in Singapore and Malaysia and was a part owner of NZ-bred galloper Devonshire, who won the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m).

The Bruford family is joined in the ownership of Savvy Coup by prominent owner Ray Coupland, his wife Jill and son Lance. The Savabeel mare is trained at Riccarton by Michael and Matthew Pitman, who have been instrumental in Bruford's more than 150 wins as an owner.

"Last season they trained an incredible 20 winners I had ownership shares in," Bruford said. "They have trained 60 winners for me."

"[Savvy Coup] is ready to perform and the bookies think she's a good chance at $6.50 so Saturday can't come quickly enough."

- NZ Racing Desk