“I always thought she would win one quite quickly, but I thought Brent’s (Anita Mary) would be a bit too good. But she was a little bit unlucky,” said driver Mark Hurrell.
During yesterday’s race, Hurrell had Kusama on the inside of the running line again before he managed to get her off. He hooked her in the 350 meters and she turned the final corner and dropped nicely to beat favorite Anita Mary by a neck.
KUSAMA REPEAT
“I ended up at the back of the field and behind a couple who weren’t the favorite so I thought I’d get on the fence and follow the favorite. We then managed to get out and we set off before Anita Mary could get out. I thought I couldn’t afford to give a lead. Getting out was probably winning the race.”
Anita Mary had trouble speaking and came home late.
“She came 50 off the line next to me and for her (Kusama) to fight like that and fight one out on her debut was a pretty good effort.”
The winning time was a smart 1-53.5.
“I was wrong and she was a bit lazy. But it was amazing to hear what time it was: going 53 (1-53) on debut.”
The way the three-year-old filly handled the false start also impressed Hurrell.
“Some Art Majors can get a little snappy and you’d think the first time at the races she might get confused. But she walked around like the quietest one around.”
Prior to yesterday’s debut, Kusama had completed five practices and a qualifying test.
“She’s always had a bit of a motor, but just needed some time to get to the races. From the last time she competed to now, there’s a little difference. She’s gotten a little stronger and will probably get a little stronger. She’ll be a nicer horse next year.”
Kusama is owned by Paul Duffy QSM and his son Brendan.
Paul milked cows for Macdonald when he was at Seawood Downs and Macdonald gave the Duffys Chipalong (Apollo’s Way – Chipaluck) to breed.
Her first foal was the Washington VC mare Biddy Mulligan who qualified but was not raced.
She left behind Melina Lowe, Kusama’s mother. Melina Lowe won seven races and held a New Zealand record for mares of 2-53.6 over 2400m mobile when she won at Winton in September 2018.
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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