The Tuapeka name lives on

For the second time, a yearling named Tuapeka Dan has sold at the NZB Standardbred harness racing yearling sales in Christchurch.

The first Tuapeka Dan, named after the late Father Dan Cummings was presented by Tuapeka Lodge at the 2021 NZB Standardbred Sales and sold for $240,000 to Emilio Rosati who changed it’s name.

Today’s Tuapeka Dan was sold for $100,000 to Phil Kennard.

“We wonder whether he’ll keep the name. We sold the first one out of Bonnie as Tuapeka Dan, and it got changed to Turbo Stride. He went well for a start until he had a paddock accident,” Phil Cummings of Tuapeka Lodge told me.

Kennard was seen doing a late inspection of the colt prior to the sale.

“It’s always a good sign when those guys are buying and it’s great that he’ll end up with a good trainer too. That’s out aim. We want them looked after.”

Tuapeka Dan is out of the Somebeachsomewhere mare Bonnie Joan which won ten races including the Group Two Premier Mares Championship and Group Two Southland Oaks.

“He’s a nice wee colt from a great family. We’re happy. He’s true to nature with Bonnie. He’s a tough wee bugger and just strong. He’s got a good attitude. He’ll be awesome. He’ll go forward.”

This is the third time Phil and his wife Melinda have offered a yearling at the sales. In 2022 they sold an Ultimate Machete colt out of Tuapeka Maddy for $28,000 and in 2023 Narrator (Always B Miki – Raconteur) was sold to Kennard Bloodstock for $20,000.

The couple are currently breeding from six broodmares: Bonnie Joan (Somebeachsomewhere – Wave Runner), Break Dance (Art Major – Wave Runner), Tuapeka Helen (Somebeachsomewhere – Lillian), Maddisons Mate (Somebeachsomewhere – Tangos Delight) and Sweet Star Of Mine (Sweet Lou – Petra’s Star).

“We’re in this game for the long haul (…) build Tuapeka up like it was in the heyday and support the industry the best we can really.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink