Akuta on the comeback

Co-trainer Nathan Purdon is more hopeful than sure that the forgotten horse of New Zealand harness racing Akuta, (Bettor’s Delight) whom he trains in partnership with his father Mark, will return to racing.

The now six year old last started in the Group Two Franklin Cup in December 2023 when he finished third behind Don’t Stop Dreaming and Old Town Road.

He was then diagnosed with a tear in a tendon.

“The last scan looked really good and the tendon looks good. He’s got a long way to go but he’s been hoppled for three or four weeks now. He’ll keep going round for another three or four weeks before we make a call. He got ridden at the Matamata track and now he’s in the hopples every second day. He’s had enough groundwork for us to think he’s a chance,” Nathan said.

Raced by Cullen Breeding Limited and Mark, Akuta is the winner of sixteen of his thirty one starts with five Group One features on his CV, including the Auckland Cup and New Zealand Derby.

“It’s hard to bring back a maiden that’s had his sorts of issues but to bring back a horse in Cup class is difficult.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink