It was an anxious wait for connections following the Tony Noonan Racing Social Syndicates Maiden Plate at Mornington on Tuesday but when " Protest Upheld " was announced over the PA system, there was a large cheer from the 160 guests of Tony Noonan Racing in the Silver Bounty Lounge on track. Acheter, the 3yo filly by Vadamos on debut had run a terrific race to narrowly get touched off in a tight finish but her run was impeded in the final stages and she was deservedly awarded the race after a lengthy protest.

Special mention must be made to Dakotah Keane, our stable apprentice who rode her superbly from an awkward position in the early stages. She gave her a smooth and confident ride, and through no fault of her own found her run impeded in the final stages. Dakotah has an outstanding strike rate of 18% winners to rides at present and is looking forward to a busy and successful Summer racing season.

It was a terrific effort by the filly on debut who cost just $32,500 at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sales last year and managed to win on debut only days before her actual 3rd birthday as she was foaled mid November 2021. Tony picked her out from the draft of Woburn Farm, and the first part of his plan has come to fruition as he explained at the time that she would be a nice filly who wouldn't race until she was a 3yo and expect further improvement as she matures and reaches 4 & 5 years old. 

Her pedigree suggests that she will enjoy more distance and physically she has appreciated the patient approach of Tony and the owners. She will head to the paddock for a well earned rest and return for the Autumn to see what distance and level she gets to. She has always been a kind natured filly and handled the occasion of her debut with aplomb. Her relaxed demeanour and great appetite will ensure she gives herself every opportunity to reach her potential and her future is very bright.

Congratulations to all of the connections, some of which only joined the ownership in the past seven days. For those of you wondering about the name Acheter and its origins : Acheter is the french word for Purchase, and her dams name was Acquisto, which is the Italian translation for purchase. Well done to John Schuijers who put the french spin on the name due to Vadamos being a french bred stallion. 

The ownership group is made up of old and new clients, all of whom we are extremely grateful to for their continued support of the stable. Mrs G A Noonan, Mrs D M Kelly, Mrs C A Cushnahan, Mr T Daws, Mrs M Daws, Mr P Grant, Mr M J Patterson, Dr J A Schuijers, Mr P Brown, Mr T G Wilkinson, Mr J T Barry, Mr R Bedggood, Mr D W Bedggood, Lost Doggies, Mr D V Kirwin, Mr P Weiler, Mrs L Weiler, Mr J W McKay & K Campbell


We are already looking forward to the autumn and beyond with the beautiful Verity and hope she enjoys the rich Spring pasture while on her holidays.