Big decisions to be made on Aquila's racing future

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 
 
The racing future of one of 2025's best performers Aquila will be decided in the next few weeks.

Bred and raced by Southland dairy farmer Kenny Baynes and trained by Zev Meredith, the six-year-old Always B Miki mare was a revelation at Cambridge last year, winning seven times there from 12 starts.

"She's been a great mare," says Baynes, "I thought she'd maybe win one or two up north but she just kept winning."

At one stage she won five straight at the racetrack between September and November.

Then in December it was time to make decisions about her future after a long campaign.

"She was up for a long time but she's in the paddock now and has been for three weeks," says Meredith.

Now a rating 61, originally the plan was to retire her.

"It does get hard for her now in that grade," says Baynes.

She was going to be sent back south to Baynes and get her in foal as she has accrued nearly $6000 in HRNZ breeding credits.

"She's by Miki and from a Bettor's Delight mare (Alisa) and she deserves to go to someone good so we thought maybe Downbytheseaside," says Baynes.

But now they are thinking that Aquila's racing days may not be over. Baynes is open to her having another season and Meredith is happy to play ball.

"It's Kenny's call of course but if we drop a few points with her," says Meredith, "as a R55 at Cambridge she can be very competitive."

"I'd be keen to keep her if I can."

A final decision will be made around March. 

Baynes first heard about Meredith through a long-time association with northern trainer Derek Balle. He'd suggested sending a horse to Meredith, who is the partner of Balle's daughter Neita.

Aquila was the first to go - "I hadn't even met Zev at that time" - and others would follow.
 
Another Baynes "export" was One More Moment who went on to win the Group 1 Queen Of Diamonds at Alexandra Park in December 2024 before doubling up in the 2025 Group 3 Waikato Breeders Stakes at Cambridge.

Boss Kenny also won six from 47 and already in 2026 they've had success with Muchacho at Cambridge. It was his fourth win in 11 starts. By Always B Miki out of Alisa, he is Aquila's full brother.

So with or without Aquila, the Baynes-Meredith combo looks set to have a few more winners yet.