Kia Kaha powers to victory in QGOLD Summer Sprint Final
Kia Kaha delivered a stunning front-running performance to claim the QGOLD Summer Sprint Final at Albion Park, stopping the clock at a slick 29.91 seconds.
Starting as the $2.60 bookmaker favorite from box one, the Warren Nicholls-trained black bitch showcased her explosive early pace, leading the field throughout and securing a dominant three-length victory over Duffman, with Mustang Hayze finishing third.
Breaking cleanly from the rails, Kia Kaha’s sharp 5.47 first sectional set the foundation for her impressive win.
Despite pressure from Duffman late in the race, Kia Kaha maintained her momentum and powered through the final stretch, further solidifying her reputation as one of Queensland’s standout sprinters.
QGold Summer Sprint final race replay – Kia Kaha (29.91)
Trainer Warren Nicholls expressed pride in Kia Kaha’s performance, highlighting her ability to capitalise on her strengths.
“That was a super run and she made her own luck out in front,” Nicholls told Racing Queensland.
“She was leading up the back, the mid-section, which is her worst section, and when she was still in front on the turn, I thought we were half a chance.”
The victory not only marked another feature race triumph for Kia Kaha but also added to her remarkable career record of 19 wins from 49 starts, with career earnings now exceeding $215,000.
Nicholls hinted at big plans for the talented sprinter, including targeting major carnival races in Queensland and possibly venturing interstate to prestigious events like The Meadows or the Golden Easter Egg before retiring her after the winter carnival.
For Duffman, trained by Jedda Cutlack, the second-place finish at $4.20 with BlondeBet, while Mustang Hayze, a $16.00 outsider with Picklebet, displayed resilience to claim third for trainer Sandra Hunt.
QGold Summer Sprint Final 2024 Results – Albion Park
2024 QGold Summer Sprint final ResultsAlbion Park 520m Non Graded $25,090 to-the-winner Thursday, December 19, 2024
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| 1st |
1 Kia Kaha
T: Warren NichollsTime: 29.91Margin:
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| 2nd |
4 Duffman
T: Jedda CutlackTime: 30.12Margin: 3 Lengths
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| 3rd |
2 Mustang Hayze
T: Sandra HuntTime: 30.18Margin: 3.75 Lengths
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| 4th |
3 Cluster
T: Selena ZammitTime: 30.31Margin: 5.75 Lengths
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| 5th |
7 Aidan’s Queen
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| 6th |
6 Bear’s Bullet
T: Travis ElsonTime: 30.42Margin: 7.25 Lengths
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| 7th |
9 Daytona Girl (Box 8)
T: Craig CassidyTime: 30.51Margin: 8.50 Lengths
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| 8th |
5 Super Scrub
T: Travis ElsonTime: 30.56Margin: 9.25 Lengths
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