Coniston Bluebird (horse)

Last updated
Coniston Bluebird
Sire Scenic
Grandsire Sadler's Wells
DamTurbo Lady
DamsireBellotto
SexGelding
Foaled2005
Country Australia
ColourBay
BreederDurham Lodge Thoroughbred Stud
OwnerMurray Livestock, J E O'Brien, J E & R Standford & J Wilson
TrainerBede Murray
Record19:4-2-5
Earnings$1,473,712
Major wins
New Zealand Derby (2009)
Last updated on 15 April 2010

Coniston Bluebird (foaled 2005 in Australia) is a thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2009 New Zealand Derby. Trainer Bede Murray had the New Zealand Derby in mind for Coniston Bluebird after the horse had shown promise as a stayer in Australia, including a win over 2100m. However, those plans became doubtful when he was well beaten in weak company at his final start before going to New Zealand. However, the trip was pursued with. The horse ran a good third in the traditional Derby lead-up, the Championship Stakes, won by Down The Road on a wet track. The performance would see him close as favourite in the derby. Rain again affected the track for the Derby, and the race was postponed 24 hours due to storm warnings. The race proved to be an exciting contest, as Coniston Bluebird and Down The Road ran clear from the field in the straight and were involved in a photo-finish.

Australia Country in Oceania

Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands. It is the largest country in Oceania and the world's sixth-largest country by total area. The neighbouring countries are Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and East Timor to the north; the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the north-east; and New Zealand to the south-east. The population of 25 million is highly urbanised and heavily concentrated on the eastern seaboard. Australia's capital is Canberra, and its largest city is Sydney. The country's other major metropolitan areas are Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Thoroughbred Horse breed developed for racing

The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are considered "hot-blooded" horses that are known for their agility, speed, and spirit.

New Zealand Derby Auckland

The New Zealand Derby is a set-weights Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds, run over a distance of 2,400 metres at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland, New Zealand. It is held on the first Saturday in March, as the opening day of Auckland Cup Week. The purse of the race in 2019 was $1 million.

Coniston Bluebird's first run after the New Zealand Derby was an eighth in the Rosehill Guineas, which was followed by a 12th placing in the AJC Australian Derby. Injury kept him out of the 2009/10 season.

Coniston Bluebird underwent successful surgery and stem-cell treatment and returned to the racetrack in September 2010. He has failed to place in seven starts since his return to the racetrack.

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