Franco Tai takes out $50,000 Sales race

The Terry and Glenys Chmiel trained Franco Tai was a deserved winner of the $50,000 Listed PGG Wrightson NZ Yearling Sales Aged Handicap Pace (2,400m) at South Bay Racecourse, Kaikoura on October 30.

Runner-up in last year's instalment, Franco Tai enjoyed the perfect trip throughout, getting away cleanly despite being fractious at the start and leading before handing up to one of the race favourites Red Moon Rising. With plenty making mistakes in behind him Franco Tai capitalised on his smooth run, charging home on the inside of the straight to score by half a length over Robbie Burns and Red Moon Rising.

The 5-year-old Lis Mara gelding has now won five races and just over $72,000 in stakes for his connections.

A $6,500 NZ Premier Yearling Sale purchase, Franco Tai is out of the winning Spreydon Lodge mare Thatcher Franco - the dam also of fellow race competitor Franco Texas (6 wins, $57,216).