Le Zebra emerging as headline horse for Emma-Lee and David Browne after Flemington victory

Kiwi trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne have found the ideal horse to headline their Melbourne stable with Le Zebra notching back-to-back wins on Saturday at Flemington.

Le Zebra led all the way to win at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Every stable, especially a developing one, needs horses like Le Zebra.

Le Zebra is the perfect package. Inexpensive at $60,000, up and running as a two-year-old to maximise returns and a consummate professional.

The gelding led throughout to score at Sandown on May 6 before repeating the effort in Saturday’s Jockey Appreciation Plate (1400m).

Trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne had every reason to appreciate jockey Blake Shinn after his perfectly judged ride to get Le Zebra home for his second win in four starts.

LE ZEBRA (Rip Van Winkle x Angel Del Dinero) does it again, in race 1 at Flemington today! @Em_spartaracing@WindsorParkStud
We also own El Poder Del Sol who came in 4th, looking very promising on his first start today! 💪 @HowleyRacing@[e-mail]/smtm9Am58p

— Ben Kwok (@benkwok44444) May 20, 2023

The son of New Zealand-based stallion Rip Van Winkle has emerged as a vital component of the Brownes’ Cranbourne stable in the last few weeks.

The couple decided to make Melbourne their home last winter after testing the local scene with former stable star Elephant, who won at Group 3 level, in the spring of 2021.

La Zebra was the Brownes’ ninth city winner in Victoria but could be ready to become the stable star either in Brisbane in the coming weeks or as a spring three-year-old.

“He’s one of those horses you need in the stable,” David Browne said.

“I think he’s going to go a long way.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy because we’re going up against some of the top trainers, I think, in the world.

“It’s good to ease your way into it instead of trying to go too quick and just build up as you go.

“We’ve had a few hiccups along the way but we’re starting to iron them out as we go and I couldn’t be happier with the way it’s going now.”

Trainer David Browne after the win. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

The Chris Waller-trained Mojave Desert ($9) raced on the speed before boxing on well to hold second ahead of Stellar Mofeed ($14).

El Poder Del Sol ($19), a brother to Group 1 Australian Derby runner-up Virtuous Circle, made a promising start to his career when running on from the rear to finish fourth, two lengths from the winner.

Double the joy for Lafferty

The jockey merry-go-round turned in apprentice Laura Lafferty’s favour at Saturday’s Flemington meeting.

Lafferty rode her first winner at Flemington when she guided the Patrick Payne-trained Jenny Jerome ($6) to victory in the Living Legends Plate (1400m).

Leading trainer Peter Moody provided Lafferty with her second win 35 minutes later when Sigh ($2.50 fav) posted another first-up success in the Stableline Sprint (1100m).

Lafferty rode a double at Sandown on April 29 but struggled for opportunities to use her 3kg claim in the ensuing city meeting.

Laura Lafferty claimed a Flemington double. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Lafferty said she was happy with her form but was unable to secure the right opportunities until her Flemington success.

“It has taken me a while to get going,” Lafferty said.

“I feel like I have been riding well for a while but just haven’t had the opportunities.

“It was just nice to get the opportunities.

“I’ve been pretty unlucky with injuries but I’ve been going steady for a while.

“It can get disheartening when you’re riding well and not getting the opportunities but it’s all going well now.”

Lafferty has two chances to continue her good form at Sandown on Sunday.

She will ride Super Sting for the Patrick Kearney stable in the Ladbrokes Club Handicap (1400m) and the Payne-trained Bigolino in the Samson Handicap (1400m).

Originally published as Le Zebra emerging as headline horse for Emma-Lee and David Browne after Flemington victory