Vazey in the winner's circle

21st Sep 2012

Consistent mare Cong'er (NZ) (Zenno Rob Roy) rewarded a long established partnership with black-type success when taking out the Listed Westbury Stud Karaka Classic (1600m) at Pukekohe Park on Friday.

Trained by locals Kevin Hughes and Dean Wiles Cong'er is raced by some of Hughes's most devoted owners in Geoff and  Carol Vazey.

"It's a real buzz and I am thrilled for dean [Wiles] and Geoff Vazey, who has been a very loyal client for a very long time, " said Hughes.

Vazey, a former chief executive of Ports of Auckland and current Auckland Racing Club board member, previously raced Surprize Surprize (NZ) (Prized) with the Hughes/Wiles stable to win the 2004 Gr.1 New Zealand Thorougbred Breeders' Stakes.

Positioned handy throughout by jockey Sam Spratt Cong'er held off the fast finishing Noble Warrior (NZ) (Le Bec Fin) by neck at the line, Sarsarun (NZ) (Usitnov) finished a further half length back in third position. 

" Dean said that if she was travelling good on the corner just start rolling, so I did and she showed a good turn of foot," said Spratt.

"I was a bit worried the last 200 she started to come to the end of it but it was a classy effort I asked and she gave."