A dashing display by Pencarrow Racing’s Silver Eclipse (Darci Brahma x Zino Belle) provided the mare with her first black-type victory, winning the Listed $50,000 Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus (1000m) at Riccarton Park.

The Pencarrow silks of Sir Peter Vela were flying down the dog-leg course at Riccarton as Silver Eclipse cut out the 1000m in a fast 56.86 for trainers Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie.

“She was really good,” commented Ramsay. “She has slashed nearly a second off her Taupo time and Chris Johnson was really impressed with her.”

Silver Eclipse was a stylish winner fresh up this campaign, winning over 1000m at Taupo in track-record time last month.

Leading South Island rider Chris Johnson was aboard the mare for the first time and had Silver Eclipse racing in third position behind a blistering pace.

Johnson pulled the daughter of Darci Brahma across heels in the straight and the pair rocketed away from field to win comfortably by two-lengths.

“She was always travelling and when she came across the junction she just exploded and done it quite easily.

“She won three last season but she has come back a stronger and better horse which is really exciting. She has come through that run really well and hopefully we will get her to the Group 1 Telegraph.”

It was a successful day for Pencarrow Racing with Duquesa (Encosta de Lago x Ethereal) winning at Te Rapa, Deliciano (Darci Brahma x Santagostino) finishing second in the Listed Metropolitan Handicap at Riccarton and Rasa Lila (Darci Brahma x Dance My Dance) also finishing second at Te Rapa.

Saturday’s victory was Silver Eclipse’s fifth victory from nine starts, earning $69,450 in prizemoney.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, Silver Eclipse is out of Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes winner Zino Belle (Success Express). Zino Belle is out of Group 2 winning mare Christiania Belle (Sackford) who, in turn, is out of another Group 2 winning mare Finezza Belle (Sir Tristram). This is also the family of Group 1 performers Winning Belle (Zabeel) and Our Ella Belle (Encosta de Lago).