Majestic Chick at Addington with connections

SLOW STARTING MARE PRODUCING THE GOODS 

Hazel Maud’s broodmare career got off to a slow start but recent winners Majestic Chick and Abacardi Hazel are making up for it in great style.

Hazel Maud (Sundon-Country Fashion-Game Pride) had her name up in lights last week when Majestic Chick (Majestic Son-Hazel Maud-Sundon) scored at Addington, just days before her half-sister Abacardi Hazel (Bacardi Lindy-Hazel Maud-Sundon) cleared maidens at Oamaru.

The Sundon mare was a smart performer on the track for Southland trainer Gary Argyle, winning seven races and placing twelve times. Argyle raced Hazel Maud with Christchurch businessman Simon Philip and his late brother, Shayne.

After heading to the breeding barn, the trotter missed in each of her first four seasons at stud – twice to Skyvalley, once to The Pres and once to Monkey Bones.

Finally, Argyle was able to breed Maudarchy (Monarchy-Hazel Maud-Sundon). Coaster Howe won a race with her early in her career and she’s now with Kerryn Tomlinson. The Oamaru junior driver bought the trotter and has won two more races with her.  Maudarchy trialled last week and is likely to be seen on the upcoming Central Otago summer circuit.

Simon Philip took the next foal by Dream Vacation which didn’t make the grade. The partner in Christchurch based bakery Baker Boys then took another foal and along came Majestic Chick. Philip was landed with all of the shares in the filly after some potential owners pulled out. But three years later it has worked out well.

“I had some prospective owners and they all pulled out for one reason or another,” Philip said. “Then I tried to get another couple of parties involved and that didn’t work out.”

“So, I said to Coaster Howe can you break this thing in for me. I was in Australia one day and I got a phone call from him saying that he quite likes her and to hang onto her because I am going to have a bit of fun with her.”

Howe’s prediction has been spot on with Majestic Chick winning six races and looking like she has plenty more in store at just four-years-old.

Hazel Maud produced Abacardi Hazel the year after Majestic Chick. Argyle did the early work with the filly before he and his racing partners sent her to Bob Butt who produced her for a maiden victory.

Argyle also has a yearling colt from Hazel Maud by Superfast Stuart. Since missing in her first four years, the mare hasn’t missed in any season since.

Article By Jonny Turner | Image AJ Race Images