In recent years, Cloughmore has seldom been without a representative in the time-honoured Wingatui staying test. La Nouvelle Vague led almost all in the way to win in 2017 and Riviera Rock competed every year from 2020 to 2023 for a return of two seconds and a third.
Our son of Road to Rock retired recently after a gallant career which netted him seven wins and a touch over $250,000. When I scanned the Cup acceptances, I noticed that Shockallia was on the minimum but had little hope that he could be competitive against the likes of Capo Dell Impero and Noble Knight.
My Shockallia story began with a phone call from long-time client Terry Archer in early 2011. There was a yearling filly by Bernardini ex Zalinda for sale. Should he and his partners bid on her? It didn’t take too much research for the answer to that question to be a resounding yes.
My enthusiasm for this pedigree was deflated a couple of years later when the filly, now named Berzallia, reached the racetrack. She was an attractive type but no athlete. In a word, she was slow.
It’s always difficult to know what to do with a slow mare with a strong pedigree. Berzallia’s owners decided to try to breed their way out of her. I recommended Shocking as his progeny were tough, athletic and had good base speed.
About this time, management of Rich Hill Stud had come to a similar conclusion. This was a mare that was worth breeding from and a lease arrangement was agreed upon.
Shockallia was the first product of this mating. If you missed his last to first victory at Wingatui last Saturday, do have a look at the replay. It’s seriously impressive.
It’s worth noting that the most recent manifestation of this cross is The Weapon, currently an entrant for the NZ Derby.
