New Zealand Derby

Last updated
New Zealand Derby
Group I race
Gloaming 1922 AJC Craven Plate Randwick Racecourse Owner George D Greenwood Trainer Richard J Mason.jpg
Gloaming, 1918 winner
Location Ellerslie Racecourse
Auckland, New Zealand
Inaugurated1875
Race type Thoroughbred – Flat racing
Website Ellerslie Racecourse
Race information
Distance2,400 metres (12 furlongs)
SurfaceTurf
TrackRight-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
WeightSet-Weights
Purse NZ$1,000,000 (2020)

The New Zealand Derby is a set-weights Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds, run over a distance of 2,400 metres (12 furlongs) 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 2020 was $1 million.

Contents

History

The New Zealand Derby is an amalgamation of two races – the New Zealand Derby, run since 1860 at Riccarton, Christchurch; and the Great Northern Derby, run since 1875 at Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland. [1] The races were combined in 1973. Riccarton was awarded two 1,600 m races for three-year-olds in place of its Derby – the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and New Zealand 1000 Guineas.

After its May debut, the New Zealand Derby was soon moved to New Year's Day, and then to Boxing Day. It continued to be run on this day for many years and became a popular traditional social occasion for Aucklanders until it was moved to the first day of the new Auckland Cup Week in March. The first March running of the Derby in 2006 was won by Wahid, from the stable of Allan Sharrock in New Plymouth.

The race in 2023 - won by Sharp 'N' Smart - was held at Te Rapa Racecourse, due to renovation of the track at Ellerslie Racecourse.

Nightmarch, 1928 winner. Nightmarch entering field with jockey, New South Wales, ca. 1930.jpg
Nightmarch, 1928 winner.

Notable winners

Many of New Zealand's most famous racehorses feature on the list of New Zealand Derby winners, [2] including:

Dalray, 1951 winner. Dalray 1952 VRC Melbourne Cup Jockey Bill Williamson Trainer Clarrie McCarthy.jpg
Dalray, 1951 winner.
Nightly, 1933 winner. Nightly 1934 Moonee Valley Cup Jockey Maurice McCarten.jpg
Nightly, 1933 winner.

Multiple winning trainers and jockeys

Roger James has won the New Zealand Derby six times, including once in partnership with Jim Gibbs and once in partnership with Robert Wellwood. Colin Jillings won the post-1973 New Zealand Derby three times but also twice won the Great Northern Derby with Lawful and Stipulate.

Vinnie Colgan holds the record for the most Derby wins by a jockey. He scored his fifth Derby win aboard Habibi in 2013, breaking Robert Vance's previous record of four, and added a sixth victory with Rangipo in 2016. [3]

Winning fillies

Only a small number of fillies have ever won the Derby against the male horses. This list includes:

On two of those occasions, fillies have also finished second – Cure in 1986 and Fix in 2013. [4]

New Zealand Derby results

Year
Winner
Breeding
Jockey
Trainer
Owner
TimeSecondThird
2024 [5] Orchestral [6] Savabeel - SymphonicCraig Grylls Roger James & Robert WellwoodColin & Helen Litt2:26.79 (good)Antrim CoastAscend The Throne
2023 [7] Sharp 'N' Smart Redwood - Queen MargaretRyan Elliot Team Rogerson Graeme Rogerson, Todd Bawden, C A Leishman, NZ Thoroughbred Holdings Ltd, M & M Butterworth & M B Wadd2:29.47 (Te Rapa, good)AndalusFull of Sincerety
2022 [8] Asterix Tavistock - Mourasana (GB) by Shirocco Johnathan Parkes Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew ScottD & B Kelt, A & L Scott & Mark Greatbatch 2:27.24 (good)La CriqueRegal Lion
2021 [9] Rocket Spade Fastnet Rock - Affairoftheheart (by Fusaichi Pegasus)Craig Grylls Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew ScottHermitage Thoroughbreds Pty Limited2:35.51 (soft)MilfordFrontman
2020 [10] Sherwood Forest [11] Fastnet Rock- Chasing Mammom (by Giant's Causeway) Michael Walker Tony PikeGoodson & Perron Family Trust, Calder Bloodstock Ltd & Deborah Martin2:26.77Two IllicitScorpz
2019 [12] Crown Prosecutor Medaglia d'Oro - Riptide (by Exceed and Excel) [13] Craig GryllsStephen MarshHuntingdale Lodge 2012 Ltd (Mgr: Harvey Green) & Jml Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr: L Petagna)2:28.17In A TwinklingPlatinum Invador
2018 [14] Vin De Dance Roc de Cambes - Explosive Dancer (by San Luis) [15] Jason Waddell Murray Baker & Andrew ForsmanOTI Racing (Mgr: T Henderson), L Muollo & Kilted Taniwha Syndicate2:28.44MongolianconquerorDanzdanzdance
2017 [16] Gingernuts Iffraaj - Double Elle (by Generous) [17] Opie Bosson Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards Te Akau Gingernuts Syndicate2:28.27Rising RedJon Snow
2016 [18] Rangipo Stryker - Holloway (by Zabeel)Vincent ColganTony PikeJohn & Margaret Thompson2:28.89What's The StoryRaghu
2015 [19] Mongolian Khan Holy Roman Emperor - Centafit (by Centaine) Opie Bosson Murray Baker & Andrew ForsmanInner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry2:28.40Volkstok'n'barrellSound Proposition
2014 [20] Puccini Encosta De Lago - Miss Opera (by Paris Opera) Michael Walker Peter & Jacob McKayMonovale Holdings Ltd2:28.39Rising RomanceGlorious Lad
2013 [21] Habibi Ekraar - Danny Holiday (by Danasinga)Vincent ColganDonna & Dean LoganMrs H J & P J Crofskey & Mrs P A McIntyre2:27.58FixCastlzeberg
2012 [22] Silent Achiever O'Reilly - Winning Spree (by Zabeel) James McDonald Roger James K J Hickman2:33.55Rock 'n' PopCarrick
2011 Jimmy Choux Thorn Park - Cierzo (by Centaine)Jonathan RiddellJohn BaryChouxmaani Investments Ltd.2:38.35HistorianOn The Level
2010 Military Move Volksraad - All Night Party (by Just A Dancer) Michael Walker Shaune Ritchie Steven Lo 2:27.91Corporal JonesHandsome Zulu
2009 Coniston Bluebird Scenic - Turbo Lady (by Bellotto)Scott SeamerBede MurrayMurray Livestock, J O'Brien, J & R Standford & J Wilson2:31.04Down The RoadTell A Tale
2008 C'est La Guerre Shinko King - La Magnifique (by Kampala)David WalkerKevin Myers, WanganuiK Barker, JNW Brookes, DA Gascoigne & KT Myers2:33.47Prince KaapstadFritzy Boy
2007 Redoute's Dancer Redoute's Choice - Condescendance (by El Gran Senor)Vincent ColganTim Martin, RosehillP. Silvestro2:27.24 (good)Mettre En JeuUberalles
2006 Wahid Almutawakel - Rorys Helen (by Rory's Jester)Leith InnesAllan SharrockNoel H. & Ron T. Stanley2:27.42 (good)Roman ChariotCharliehorse
2005not raced
2004 Xcellent Pentire - Excelo (by Centro)Michael Coleman Michael Moroney G W Breingan, G K V Holdings Ltd, M J Gatt, P A Heath, D A Nicholson & Wellington Racing Syndicate2:32.01MandelaKing Johny
2003 Cut the Cake Yamanin Vital - Icing On The Cake (by Straight Strike)Michael Coleman Michael Moroney & Andrew ScottN M Anderson, G W Breingan, G J N Jaggaer, T T Manning, Paul Moroney & A P Ramsden2:28.88Mount StreetMasai
2002 St Reims Zabeel - L'Quiz (by L'Enjoleur)Greg ChildsChris McNabRob McAnulty et al.2:28.57 (good)KajemaWoburn
2001 Leica Guv Deputy Governor - Leica Or Not (by Kendor)Scott SeamerJeff McVeanR A and Mrs R J Scarborough2:28.98 (good)AthensSixty Seconds
2000 Hail Stark South - Valley Court (by Pompeii Court) Noel Harris Bruce MarshA J Cunningham & R B Marsh2:32.27 (good)Sir CliveMa Victoire
1999 Hades Zabeel - Annas Choice (by Vice Regal)Vincent Colgan Roger James, MatamataMrs F E & R A Dixon2:27.57Hill Of GraceIdol
1998 So Casual 55.5Casual Lies - Some Reason (by Sound Reason) Damien Oliver Ross TaylorG C P Beadel et al.2:24.80 (good)El Duce 56Nahayan 56
1997 Zonda 55.5 Zabeel - Gone With The Wind (by Light Wind)Vincent Colgan Roger James Hundalee Derby Syndicate2:31.58 (good)Bluebird The Word 56Star Of Mercury 56
1996 Great Command Marscay - Tisolde (by Tights) Darren Beadman Michael Moroney, MatamataH J & J Chan, R R McAnulty & D Tsang2:27.97Heroes ReturnCaptain Moonlight
1995 Roysyn 55.5 Bakharoff - Royal Proposal (by Vice Regal)Vincent Colgan Roger James Mrs B P & J B Harvey2:30.10 (good)Clear Rose 56Interval 53
1994 Look Who's Talking Grosvenor - Glenreign (by Sovereign Edition)Grant CooksleyNigel TileyUnifaith Limited2:28.18AvedonCataldo
1993 Popsy 53 Sir Tristram - Beks (by In The Purple) Lance O'Sullivan Dave & Paul O'Sullivan Barnaby & Co Ltd2:27.24Shatin Heights 55.5Seascay 55.5
1992 The Phantom Chance 55.5Noble Bijou - The Fantasy (by Gate Keeper)Robert Vance Colin Jillings & Richard YuillW B Ballin2:25.98Kaaptive Edition 55.5Sun Raycer 55.75
1991 Cavallieri 55.5Gaius - Beycheville (by Uncle Remus Grant CooksleyLaurie LaxonLaurie Laxon, S Shew & F & Mrs Z Sing2:29.18 Veandercross 55.5Te Akau Nick 55.5
1990 Surfers Paradise Crested Wave - Lady Aythorpe (by Aythorpe) Lance O'Sullivan Dave & Paul O'Sullivan F Cheung, K Chong, G Fong & J D Smith2:28.02CorndaleSir Alberton
1989 Castletown One Pound Sterling - Mona Curragh (by Levmoss)Bruce ComptonPatrick BusuttinPatrick Busuttin, Barney McCahill & K P Morris2:29.28RenteenoJust A Dancer
1988 The Gentry 55.5 McGinty - Rainfall (by Le Filou)Greg ChildsRay & Kerry VernerL W Davis, H Keith Haub, P J Walker & Haunui Farm2:27.49 (good)Lou Morton 55.5Krona 55.5
1987 Satisfy 55.5 **Top Quality - Gold Flake (by Allgrit)Maurice CampbellNick NicoloffN D & P H Nicoloff2:35.41 DeadAccountant 55.5Na Botto 55.5
1986 Tidal Light Diagramatic - Azores (by King Of Babylon)Grant CooksleyJim Gibbs and Roger James S A Taylor2:28.63CureThe Bishop
1985 Bonecrusher Pag-Asa (Aus)- Imitation (by Oakville)Gary StewartFrank RitchiePeter J. Mitchell2:29.47Flight BijouRandom Chance
1984 Jolly Jake Three Legs - Honeypot (by Sucaryl)Chris McNabAlan JonesIvan W Allan2:27.39Dusky LegendAvana
1983 I'm Henry Entrepreneur - Ina Bahroo (by Bahroona)Robert Vance Colin Jillings A J & M M Bates2:29.78JurangoZepherin
1982 Our Flight Imperial Guard - Jane Flight (by Mellay)Maurice CampbellErrol SkeltonJ W Rusher2:32.48Secured DepositGlamour Star
1981 Isle of Man 55.5Habitation - Full O'Tricks (by Trictac)Robert VanceDavina WaddellRon F Langsford and Davina L Waddell2:28.89 (good)Rose And Thistle 55.5Tomatin Purple 55.5
1980 Ring the Bell Rangong - Witchcraft (by Mystery)Nigel TileyNeville Atkins, WaiukuE M Mackley and B P Wild2:30.23 (firm)AmylSummertime Lad
1979 Ruling Lad Ruling - Lochiel's Fancy (by Le Filou)Garry PhillipsBrian Deacon, HaweraE N Baker2:35.38 (easy)EruptionBanabar
1978 Kaiser Ruling - Sovereign Lass (by Sovereign Edition)Alwin TweedieNeville Atkins, WaiukuT J and Mrs Doole2:29.42 (firm)CaucusSound Wave
1977 Uncle Remus Bandmaster - Tusitala (by Talismano)Robert Vance Colin Jillings, TakaniniKim F Clotworthy and Mrs Grace M Donaldson2:29.51 (firm)BahrainBoom Vang
1976 Silver Lad Silver Dream - Leta Filou (by Le Filou)Des WyattBarry PetleyD and Mrs Nicholls and R R Peel-Walker2:29.76Mayo MellaySonic Light
1975 Balmerino Trictrac - Dulcie (by Duccio)Maurice CampbellBrian SmithRalph K Stuart2:31.21CaboodleLucky Strike
1974 Mansingh Wilkes - Starquita (by Star Kingdom) Bob Skelton Ray Wallace & Randall Coleman, TakaniniDavid V Beetham2:29.2RipbangRosie’s Girl
1973 Furys Order Indian Order - Our Fury (by Le Filou)Des HarrisWally McEwan, HaweraLen H Bridgeman2:35JandellTinryland Lass

Winners of the New Zealand Derby at Riccarton

Note: the New Zealand Derby (Riccarton) and the Great Northern Derby were combined into one race at Ellerslie in 1973.

Earlier winners (Great Northern Derby)

Note: the New Zealand Derby (Riccarton) and the Great Northern Derby were combined into the one race at Ellerslie in 1973.

See also

Reference list

  1. ↑ "New Zealand Derby Winners". www.tbheritage.com.
  2. ↑ "New Zealand Derby Winners".
  3. ↑ "Racing: Record on line in $750k Derby".
  4. ↑ "Thoroughbred Horse Pedigree Query".
  5. ↑ "Race 9 TRACKSIDE NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 2 MAR 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  6. ↑ "Orchestral (NZ) Creates Derby Masterpiece | New Zealand Bloodstock | Thoroughbred Auction House". www.nzb.co.nz.
  7. ↑ "Race 8 AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING NEW ZEALAND DERBY at WAIKATO RC on 4 MAR 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  8. ↑ "Race 9 VODAFONE NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND THOROUGHBRED RACING on 5 MAR 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  9. ↑ "Race 9 VODAFONE NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 7 MAR 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  10. ↑ "Race 9 VODAFONE NZ DERBY® at AUCKLAND RC on 29 FEB 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  11. ↑ "Sherwood Forest outstays them in NZ Derby".
  12. ↑ "Race 9 VODAFONE NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 2 MAR 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  13. ↑ "Crown Prosecutor (AUS) 2015 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  14. ↑ "Race 9 VODAFONE NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 3 MAR 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  15. ↑ "Vin De Dance (NZ) 2014 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ". loveracing.nz.
  16. ↑ "Race 9 VODAFONE NEW ZEALAND DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 4 MAR 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  17. ↑ "Gingernuts (NZ) 2013 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ".
  18. ↑ "Race 9 BMW NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 5 MAR 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  19. ↑ "Race 9 TV3 NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 28 FEB 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  20. ↑ "Race 9 TV3 NZ DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 1 MAR 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  21. ↑ "Race 9 TV3 NZ DERBY (GROUP I) at AUCKLAND RC on 2 MAR 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ".
  22. ↑ "Race 9 TELECOM NEW ZEALAND DERBY at AUCKLAND RC on 3 MAR 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ".

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