Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images)
Te Rapa visitor First Five (Almanzor) delivered on his enormous potential when he gave trainer David Greene his first Group One success when taking out the Gr.1 TAB Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham.
Carrying his favourite number 10 saddlecloth, the strapping son of Almanzor took full advantage of that good omen as he dominated the closing stages of the time-honoured sprint feature to head off the challenge of last year’s third placegetter Navigator and the winner of the 2025 contest, Grail Seeker.
Successful in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) on his home track at Te Rapa last month, Greene immediately declared the Telegraph as the major target for his charge and never waivered in his faith that this was the horse who could provide him with a Group One victory.
Rider Wiremu Pinn took advantage of a good draw as First Five jumped well and put himself right on the speed that was set by outsiders Lhasa and Party Rocking.
Navigator was first to pounce in the home straight as he dived through against the rail and put more than a length on First Five, who was issuing his challenge three off the fence. As the pair entered a duel, Grail Seeker emerged out of the ruck and began to chase hard after them, but at the finish it was First Five and Pinn who held a length advantage over Navigator with a neck further back to Grail Seeker.
Greene has made no secret of his regard for First Five and cut an emotional figure as he recalled how close he had been to success at elite-level in the past.
“This is unbelievable really and thanks be to God as we have been waiting for a while (to win a Group One),” Greene said.
“It’s pretty special and just great to do it with this group of owners.
“When he (First Five) was sitting outside the leader I was just thinking he looked to be travelling comfortably, but I wasn’t sure if that was good or not.
“Wiremu knew what he had underneath him and he was strong all the way through the line.
“To win a Group One, weight-for-age race at Trentham, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
Pinn, who had missed the win at Te Rapa through suspension, admitted he was prepared to ignore Greene’s instructions once the barriers opened.
“He is a big, beautiful and strong horse,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I was suspended at Te Rapa so I couldn’t ride him, so I’m very thankful to David and the owners who have been very loyal to me since the day I started.
“I had my own plans and didn’t quite listen to David’s instructions as you have to take the bull by the horns in these Group One races and there didn’t look to be any speed on paper.
“When I did the form, I couldn’t put together the puzzle so I thought I’m just going to wing it and luckily it worked.
“I was a little worried up the straight as I saw Navigator go and I didn’t think I was going to be able to pick him up, but once I let his head go, he has just flown.
“He was a bit of a sitting duck as he had a good look at the winning post, but he is a really exciting horse.”
By Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor out of the six-race winner Payette, First Five carried the familiar colours of his breeder Gerald Shand who co-owns him along with Jenna McLeod and Jackie and Philip Rogers.
He has now won seven of his 19 starts and more than $523,000 in prizemoney.
