Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards has confirmed riding engagements for Te Akau star pair Melody Belle and Te Akau Shark for the Group 2 US Navy Flag Foxbridge Plate.

In the first Group 2 race of the New Zealand season, Te Akau stable jockey Opie Bosson will be ride Te Akau Shark and Michael McNab is be aboard Melody Belle.

Te Akau Principal David Ellis is impressed with how hard both jockeys have been working and in the last five weeks. 

“Opie and Michael have been riding an enormous amount of work in Matamata for Te Akau.  They then drive out to Te Akau Stud where they have been training really hard in the gym for a minimum of one hour.”

“I have never seen these guys try so hard, and boy, are they fit. I am so predicting a very big season for both Opie and Michael.”   

Fortuna Director John Galvin said the syndicate was thrilled to have the services of Michael McNab.
“Michael has already won a Group One on Melody Belle (Manawatu Sires Produce) and we have always regarded him as a top class rider.”

The Group 2 US Navy Flag Foxbridge Plate will take place at the Waikato Racing Club’s meeting at Te Rapa on Saturday 17 August.