The maiden winners continued to roll as Raikoke started his career on the right foot at Sandown. The three-year-old son of Written Tycoon led from start to finish under Damian Lane and clocked a class record in doing so.
Lane told connections after the race that there were more wins in store. “He took what he did at the jump outs to the races,” Lane said.
“Mid race he had a look around but when I asked him to extend he really got into his work and knuckled down. There are more wins ahead of him.”
Out of the mare Sunset Affair, connections of Raikoke should be congratulated on the win and commended on their creativity in naming him. Their horse is named after a volcano which erupted in 2019 and creates a purple haze in the air, leading to a spectacular sunset affair.
Raikoke was the eighth maiden winner this month and the fourth this week to win on debut Co-trainer Mick Price said like Amoursirra, United Kingdom and Primal Spriit, connections were rewarded for their patience.
“We have taken some promising young horses to the races lately and it’s been great to see them kick off their careers with a win,” Price said.
“Raikoke had been well educated with a number of campaigns prior to his first race start so he has he grounding to work his way through the grades and into better races now.
“Thanks to the staff for keeping the wheels turning while Michael and I have been in New Zealand for the sales, they’ve done a great job as usual.”
Raikoke was a $275,000 Inglis Premier yearling purchase for Price Kent Racing from the draft of Rushton Park. He races in the colours of Harbour Racing for an ownership group that includes loyal stable clients.