Jamie Bullard capped off a special day at Riccarton with victory aboard the improving colt Atlante, who made an impressive statement for a group one challenge to follow on the course next month.
The 39-year-old jockey rode the 1000th winner of his career yesterday aboard Sir Singo and then partneredthe Cambridge visitor to triumph in the Listed Holloway (Builders) Canterbury Stakes.
Bullard, who rode his first winner in 1993, has three group one victories to his credit with Balmuse in the 2004 Kelt Capital Stakes, the 2006 New Zealand 1000 Guineas on Dorabella and the New Zealand 2000 Guineas two years ago aboard Rock 'N' Pop.
While a rider has yet to be confirmed for Atlante in the upcoming group one Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas, Bullard kept his name to the fore with a polished display on the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-prepared son of Fastnet Rock.
"He's a good rider - you don't get to ride 1000 winners otherwise, but there are a few options," Forsman said.
