‘Raka’ quinella provides timely boost

The past year hasn’t been easy for Brendon Fahy but today’s win by first starter Rakanotta lifted his spirits, and  with his other runner Rakareplay coming in at second to give him the quinella, the lift was doubled.

“I don’t think I’ve had one before. I’ve had two wins in one day but not a quinella,” he said.

Trained at Ryal Bush by Peter Hunter, Rakanotta is by Somebeachsomewhere and out of quality mare Raksdeal. The three year old filly certainly has a presence.

“Pete says she’s the biggest horse he’s ever trained. When he got her he said she was like a big broodmare. For a big horse she seems to be quite spritely. She’s not clumsy.”

Fahy says Hunter has always had an opinion of the filly.

“When he broke her in he quite liked her but then the stable got the virus so she had to be turned out.”

Rakanotta indicated she was ready for her debut at the races with a sound second at the Winton Workouts last Friday.

“He was hopeful but you don’t know at their first start.”

Mach Three filly Rakareplay was three lengths back in second improving on her last start fourth.

“She didn’t go that good at her last start. She gets a bit hot before her races but she went nice today.”

Rakanotta beating stablemate Rakaplay                        –Bruce Stewart Photo

Fahy says he hasn’t had too much luck breeding from Raksdeal. The mare’s first foal Rakanellie looked promising but had to be retired from the racetrack.

“She showed a lot of ability but she had a knee problem.”

by Bruce Stewart