Mahuta retires to Lynward Park

Melbourne Group 2 winner Mahuta has been signed to serve his first book at Lynward Park this year.

Lynward Park manager Troy van Heemst has confirmed he closed the deal for the top-class son of Flying Spur late last week. “He was talented, tough and durable,” van Heemst said at the Magic Millions Winter Sale on Sunday. “His race record speaks for itself and he will stand for an introductory fee of $4,400 (inc gst).”

Mahuta was one of the most improved gallopers in Australia last season rising from a Kyneton maiden to win five stakes races in a row for Darren Weir and Roll The Dice syndicate.

He broke through at black-type level in the LR Gothic Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield and then reeled off further feature wins in the G3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, G2 Sandown Guineas (1600m), RL Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) and G2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) back at Caulfield.

“He’s always shown plenty of ability and is one of those horses that got into a rhythm and just kept improving,” Weir said during the purple-patch. “He shows a real turn of foot and has done more than my Group 1 winners Trust In A Gust and Stratum Star at the same stage of their careers.

“He’s tough and makes his own luck by rolling forward. He’s big and powerful and there is plenty of upside. Brad (Rawiller) reckons he could even become a Cox Plate horse!”

Mahuta returned to training earlier this season and was Group 1 placed in the Memsie Stakes behind Black Heart Bart before a pelvic injury curtailed his career to 6 wins in 16 starts for over $1.75 million in prizemoney.

Representing the breed-shaping Danehill sireline through Australian champion Flying Spur, he is a half-brother to Flemington stakes winner Anlon. Their dam Vahine (Zabeel) is a three-quarter sister to G1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Isolda.

Mahuta joins Alfred Nobel (Danehill Dancer) on the Lynward Park roster at Bullsbrook. For further information, broodmare owners can contact Troy van Heemst (0439 957 111), Barry Farmer (0417 974 282), John Chalmers (0418 948 604).

MAHUTA