Hakuna Matata goes back-to-back at Bunbury Turf Club

Just two weeks after the five-year-old saluted at Bunbury Turf Club over 2219 metres, he was back to do it all again over 2238 metres. 

Jockey Chris Parnham restrained Hakuna Matata ($2.80) early and had him stoking up just before the turn – just as the pair did two weeks ago. 

Yet again, the horse was too powerful in the straight, booting away to win by a half-length over Musical Art. The pair left the other six horses in the field more than 10 lengths behind them. 

Parnham then made his day in Bunbury a double, taking out race seven aboard Quilista ($3.30). Box seating for the majority of the 1116 metre race, the pair put their rivals to the sword late, to the tune of more than five lengths. 

Local jockey Kyra Yuill took out the first of Sunday’s eight race card in a boilover. Paired with Rock’n Roll Rosie ($19.90), Yuill chose to lead early and clung on by a nose over the fast-finishing Imaginary – being ridden by William Pike at the short quote of $1.75. 

Pike made no mistake in race five, booting Royal Command ($2.30) home by 1.5 lengths in a fast-run 1216 metre sprint.

Jockey Ryan Hill claimed the honours in race three with Latakia Friars ($4.40) swooping late to score by a half-length over a tiring leader Iron Maggie.

New Zealand horse Grand Cadeau ($10.60) took out race four for jockey Brad Parnham. A long head separated the top three finishers with an inside barrier proving the difference for the winner. 

Apprentice jockey Fiona Bell had Another Vision ($5.90) arriving at just the right moment to deny Not Again Ken another Bunbury victory in race six.

Bell’s ride hit the lead late and lasted by a nose over the four-year-old grey gelding who is pushing for the horse of the year premiership title.  

The last of the day saw Shaun McGruddy claim a half-length victory aboard Awesome As ($3.70) in the last. 

Keen followers of the Mail’s racing coverage would have had their money on the runner up Couleur Bizarre, who continues to reward Bunbury punters with healthy dividends. 

The four-year-old grey/chestnut gelding trained by Chris Stelmach adores the Bunbury track and has run in the money at seven of nine starts, this time placing at $3.60. 

Definitely one to keep watching. 

Racing returns to Bunbury on Wednesday, March 1.