Racing: Transtasman cheers for win

Romancer carries the famous colours of OTI Racing to victory at Ruakaka yesterday. Photo / Race Images

Romancer's home track victory at Ruakaka yesterday drew a celebration from afar.

The four-year-old produced a dominant performance to win the Catapult Partners Chartered Accountants Handicap (1400m) for trainers Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs and apprentice Jordan Nason, who sported the famous colours of the Australian-based OTI Racing.

"Terry Henderson is a big part of this horse, he loves his Redwoods so he'll be rapt," Gibbs said.

Romancer was purchased out of Westbury Stud's draft at Karaka in 2015 by Logan for $110,000 and Henderson, who was the under-bidder, subsequently jumped at the opportunity to buy into the horse.

The gelding has now won four of his 10 starts, including last season's Listed Mufhasa Stakes (1300m).

Romancer led early before settling in the trail yesterday and he ambled up to the leader 300m from home. When Nason asked for a serious effort, he forged clear to leave Spindle in his wake.

"The horse flattened out beautifully today, the best I've seen him," Gibbs said.

While connections were delighted with Romancer's success, it came in a race that wasn't their first choice.

"He's a beautiful-looking horse and he paraded in lovely order at Ellerslie the other day, I was gutted when they called the race off," Gibbs said.

He was also pleased with the effort of the third placegetter Jake The Muss, who came from last.

"When he came in last time we put him back out for 10 days, he wasn't right so we backed off and he's come back well now," Gibbs said.

- NZ Racing Desk