Royal Joy for Kevin Hickman

Kevin Hickman watched the wonderful win of his filly She Brings Joy from Queenstown on Sunday.

The major industry player was spending the holidays in the resort while racing manager Jonathan Scully was on course to celebrate the Group II Royal Stakes win.

‘‘Right from the start I’ve loved this filly,’’ Scully said. ’’We’ve always thought a lot of her and she rewarded us today.’’

The New Zealand Oaks beckons but trainer Stephen Marsh will ease up on her in the meantime.

‘‘We may even consider the Queensland Oaks with her later on,’’ Scully said.

The same path is on the cards for gallant runner-up Adis who almost stole the show under a daring front-running Cameron Lammas ride.

The Mastercraftsman filly looked the winner at the 100m pole but couldn’t withstand the finishing power of She Brings Joy.

Ardmore trainer Stephen Mckee ramped up his Karaka Million firepower with the win of Hasahalo in the Group III Eclipse Stakes.

The Savabeel filly produced a stunning performance to power over the top of her rivals to claim the $70,000 race.

All going to plan she will join stablemate Star Performer in the Karaka Million won by the stable’s Xion Feng last January.

Star Performer impressed with finishing burst on Boxing Day to book his spot but Hasahalo was even more impressive.

‘‘It was a funny race - she went down the back like she had a flat tyre,’’ Mckee said. ‘‘And then she warmed into it.’’

Hasahalo was ridden by Sam Spratt, who has been aboard the Savabeel filly in all three of her starts and two trials.