Sam Kelt goes international

Hawke’s Bay’s renowned philanthropist Sam Kelt seems to have a happy knack for the international spotlight.

Already the driving force behind New Zealand’s landmark NZ$2 million race, the Kelt Capital Stakes, Kelt hit the headlines earlier this year as the breeder of the NZ$1.45 million Karaka Premier Yearling Sale topper, but even he had to own to amazement after attaining honours as the successful breeder of USA’s latest Grade I champion, Black Mamba (NZ).

Striking in Sunday’s Grade 1 John C Mabee Hcp at Del Mar, Black Mamba’s (NZ) win not only marked the first international Gr.1 winner to have heralded from Keltern Stud, but was also the first NZ-bred galloper to carve out U.S. Gr.1 success since Happyanunoit (NZ) in 2001.

As the race was part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, connections of the 5YO NZ-bred mare can now set their sights on the US$2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (2000m) on Friday October 24 at Santa Anita.

Prior to Black Mamba’s (NZ) all important half length win, Kelt’s greatest achievement as a breeder had come with Noble Spirits (NZ), a Light Spirits gelding who streaked home to take the 1994 Singapore Derby.

Kelt was also to the fore with the daughter of his Gr.1 NZ Derby winning Sir Tristram mare Popsy (NZ). Although a dual Listed winner in her own right, Lilakyn (NZ) is perhaps best remembered for her unlucky hairline defeat in the 2007 Gr.2 Brisbane Cup.

Prior to Sunday, luck had similarly been found wanting in Black Mamba’s immediate family.

“It’s always looked to be a good family, but they just haven’t had a lot of luck up until now,” said Kelt.

“She (Sneetch) has had two or three that looked pretty good, but injury put paid to their careers.

“Gussy Godiva looked a good thing but she smashed her leg leaving the gates and Starbelly, who I was told by her trainer was the best horse he had ever worked with, also got injured”.

For a detailed analysis of Black Mamba and Sam Kelt, please find fact files on each attached.