New Zealand Derby
Horse race
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.
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.
Notable winners
Many of New Zealand's most famous racehorses feature on the list of New Zealand Derby winners,[2] including:
Desert Gold ,
Gloaming ,
Nightmarch ,
Kindergarten ,
Mainbrace ,
Balmerino ,
Bonecrusher ,
Xcellent ,
Jimmy Choux ,
Silent Achiever ,
Mongolian Khan .
Dalray , 1951 winner.
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
Time
Second
Third
2024 [5]
Orchestral [6]
Savabeel - Symphonic
Craig Grylls
Roger James & Robert Wellwood
Colin & Helen Litt
2:26.79 (good)
Antrim Coast
Ascend The Throne
2023 [7]
Sharp 'N' Smart
Redwood - Queen Margaret
Ryan Elliot
Team Rogerson
Graeme Rogerson , Todd Bawden, C A Leishman, NZ Thoroughbred Holdings Ltd, M & M Butterworth & M B Wadd
2:29.47 (Te Rapa, good)
Andalus
Full of Sincerety
2022 [8]
Asterix
Tavistock - Mourasana (GB) by Shirocco
Johnathan Parkes
Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
D & B Kelt, A & L Scott & Mark Greatbatch
2:27.24 (good)
La Crique
Regal Lion
2021 [9]
Rocket Spade
Fastnet Rock - Affairoftheheart (by Fusaichi Pegasus )
Craig Grylls
Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
Hermitage Thoroughbreds Pty Limited
2:35.51 (soft)
Milford
Frontman
2020 [10]
Sherwood Forest [11]
Fastnet Rock - Chasing Mammom (by Giant's Causeway )
Michael Walker
Tony Pike
Goodson & Perron Family Trust, Calder Bloodstock Ltd & Deborah Martin
2:26.77
Two Illicit
Scorpz
2019 [12]
Crown Prosecutor
Medaglia d'Oro - Riptide (by Exceed and Excel )[13]
Craig Grylls
Stephen Marsh
Huntingdale Lodge 2012 Ltd (Mgr: Harvey Green) & Jml Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr: L Petagna)
2:28.17
In A Twinkling
Platinum Invador
2018 [14]
Vin De Dance
Roc de Cambes - Explosive Dancer (by San Luis)[15]
Jason Waddell
Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
OTI Racing (Mgr: T Henderson), L Muollo & Kilted Taniwha Syndicate
2:28.44
Mongolianconqueror
Danzdanzdance
2017 [16]
Gingernuts
Iffraaj - Double Elle (by Generous )[17]
Opie Bosson
Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards
Te Akau Gingernuts Syndicate
2:28.27
Rising Red
Jon Snow
2016 [18]
Rangipo
Stryker - Holloway (by Zabeel )
Vincent Colgan
Tony Pike
John & Margaret Thompson
2:28.89
What's The Story
Raghu
2015 [19]
Mongolian Khan
Holy Roman Emperor - Centafit (by Centaine)
Opie Bosson
Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry
2:28.40
Volkstok'n'barrell
Sound Proposition
2014 [20]
Puccini
Encosta De Lago - Miss Opera (by Paris Opera)
Michael Walker
Peter & Jacob McKay
Monovale Holdings Ltd
2:28.39
Rising Romance
Glorious Lad
2013 [21]
Habibi
Ekraar - Danny Holiday (by Danasinga)
Vincent Colgan
Donna & Dean Logan
Mrs H J & P J Crofskey & Mrs P A McIntyre
2:27.58
Fix
Castlzeberg
2012 [22]
Silent Achiever
O'Reilly - Winning Spree (by Zabeel )
James McDonald
Roger James
K J Hickman
2:33.55
Rock 'n' Pop
Carrick
2011
Jimmy Choux
Thorn Park - Cierzo (by Centaine)
Jonathan Riddell
John Bary
Chouxmaani Investments Ltd.
2:38.35
Historian
On The Level
2010
Military Move
Volksraad - All Night Party (by Just A Dancer)
Michael Walker
Shaune Ritchie
Steven Lo
2:27.91
Corporal Jones
Handsome Zulu
2009
Coniston Bluebird
Scenic - Turbo Lady (by Bellotto)
Scott Seamer
Bede Murray
Murray Livestock, J O'Brien, J & R Standford & J Wilson
2:31.04
Down The Road
Tell A Tale
2008
C'est La Guerre
Shinko King - La Magnifique (by Kampala)
David Walker
Kevin Myers, Wanganui
K Barker, JNW Brookes, DA Gascoigne & KT Myers
2:33.47
Prince Kaapstad
Fritzy Boy
2007
Redoute's Dancer
Redoute's Choice - Condescendance (by El Gran Senor)
Vincent Colgan
Tim Martin, Rosehill
P. Silvestro
2:27.24 (good)
Mettre En Jeu
Uberalles
2006
Wahid
Almutawakel - Rorys Helen (by Rory's Jester )
Leith Innes
Allan Sharrock
Noel H. & Ron T. Stanley
2:27.42 (good)
Roman Chariot
Charliehorse
2005
not 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 Syndicate
2:32.01
Mandela
King Johny
2003
Cut the Cake
Yamanin Vital - Icing On The Cake (by Straight Strike)
Michael Coleman
Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott
N M Anderson, G W Breingan, G J N Jaggaer, T T Manning, Paul Moroney & A P Ramsden
2:28.88
Mount Street
Masai
2002
St Reims
Zabeel - L'Quiz (by L'Enjoleur )
Greg Childs
Chris McNab
Rob McAnulty et al.
2:28.57 (good)
Kajema
Woburn
2001
Leica Guv
Deputy Governor - Leica Or Not (by Kendor)
Scott Seamer
Jeff McVean
R A and Mrs R J Scarborough
2:28.98 (good)
Athens
Sixty Seconds
2000
Hail
Stark South - Valley Court (by Pompeii Court)
Noel Harris
Bruce Marsh
A J Cunningham & R B Marsh
2:32.27 (good)
Sir Clive
Ma Victoire
1999
Hades
Zabeel - Annas Choice (by Vice Regal)
Vincent Colgan
Roger James , Matamata
Mrs F E & R A Dixon
2:27.57
Hill Of Grace
Idol
1998
So Casual 55.5
Casual Lies - Some Reason (by Sound Reason)
Damien Oliver
Ross Taylor
G C P Beadel et al.
2:24.80 (good)
El Duce 56
Nahayan 56
1997
Zonda 55.5
Zabeel - Gone With The Wind (by Light Wind)
Vincent Colgan
Roger James
Hundalee Derby Syndicate
2:31.58 (good)
Bluebird The Word 56
Star Of Mercury 56
1996
Great Command
Marscay - Tisolde (by Tights)
Darren Beadman
Michael Moroney , Matamata
H J & J Chan, R R McAnulty & D Tsang
2:27.97
Heroes Return
Captain Moonlight
1995
Roysyn 55.5
Bakharoff - Royal Proposal (by Vice Regal)
Vincent Colgan
Roger James
Mrs B P & J B Harvey
2:30.10 (good)
Clear Rose 56
Interval 53
1994
Look Who's Talking
Grosvenor - Glenreign (by Sovereign Edition)
Grant Cooksley
Nigel Tiley
Unifaith Limited
2:28.18
Avedon
Cataldo
1993
Popsy 53
Sir Tristram - Beks (by In The Purple)
Lance O'Sullivan
Dave & Paul O'Sullivan
Barnaby & Co Ltd
2:27.24
Shatin Heights 55.5
Seascay 55.5
1992
The Phantom Chance 55.5
Noble Bijou - The Fantasy (by Gate Keeper)
Robert Vance
Colin Jillings & Richard Yuill
W B Ballin
2:25.98
Kaaptive Edition 55.5
Sun Raycer 55.75
1991
Cavallieri 55.5
Gaius - Beycheville (by Uncle Remus
Grant Cooksley
Laurie Laxon
Laurie Laxon, S Shew & F & Mrs Z Sing
2:29.18
Veandercross 55.5
Te 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 Smith
2:28.02
Corndale
Sir Alberton
1989
Castletown
One Pound Sterling - Mona Curragh (by Levmoss)
Bruce Compton
Patrick Busuttin
Patrick Busuttin, Barney McCahill & K P Morris
2:29.28
Renteeno
Just A Dancer
1988
The Gentry 55.5
McGinty - Rainfall (by Le Filou)
Greg Childs
Ray & Kerry Verner
L W Davis, H Keith Haub, P J Walker & Haunui Farm
2:27.49 (good)
Lou Morton 55.5
Krona 55.5
1987
Satisfy 55.5 **
Top Quality - Gold Flake (by Allgrit)
Maurice Campbell
Nick Nicoloff
N D & P H Nicoloff
2:35.41 Dead
Accountant 55.5
Na Botto 55.5
1986
Tidal Light
Diagramatic - Azores (by King Of Babylon)
Grant Cooksley
Jim Gibbs and Roger James
S A Taylor
2:28.63
Cure
The Bishop
1985
Bonecrusher
Pag-Asa (Aus)- Imitation (by Oakville)
Gary Stewart
Frank Ritchie
Peter J. Mitchell
2:29.47
Flight Bijou
Random Chance
1984
Jolly Jake
Three Legs - Honeypot (by Sucaryl)
Chris McNab
Alan Jones
Ivan W Allan
2:27.39
Dusky Legend
Avana
1983
I'm Henry
Entrepreneur - Ina Bahroo (by Bahroona)
Robert Vance
Colin Jillings
A J & M M Bates
2:29.78
Jurango
Zepherin
1982
Our Flight
Imperial Guard - Jane Flight (by Mellay)
Maurice Campbell
Errol Skelton
J W Rusher
2:32.48
Secured Deposit
Glamour Star
1981
Isle of Man 55.5
Habitation - Full O'Tricks (by Trictac)
Robert Vance
Davina Waddell
Ron F Langsford and Davina L Waddell
2:28.89 (good)
Rose And Thistle 55.5
Tomatin Purple 55.5
1980
Ring the Bell
Rangong - Witchcraft (by Mystery)
Nigel Tiley
Neville Atkins, Waiuku
E M Mackley and B P Wild
2:30.23 (firm)
Amyl
Summertime Lad
1979
Ruling Lad
Ruling - Lochiel's Fancy (by Le Filou)
Garry Phillips
Brian Deacon, Hawera
E N Baker
2:35.38 (easy)
Eruption
Banabar
1978
Kaiser
Ruling - Sovereign Lass (by Sovereign Edition)
Alwin Tweedie
Neville Atkins, Waiuku
T J and Mrs Doole
2:29.42 (firm)
Caucus
Sound Wave
1977
Uncle Remus
Bandmaster - Tusitala (by Talismano)
Robert Vance
Colin Jillings , Takanini
Kim F Clotworthy and Mrs Grace M Donaldson
2:29.51 (firm)
Bahrain
Boom Vang
1976
Silver Lad
Silver Dream - Leta Filou (by Le Filou)
Des Wyatt
Barry Petley
D and Mrs Nicholls and R R Peel-Walker
2:29.76
Mayo Mellay
Sonic Light
1975
Balmerino
Trictrac - Dulcie (by Duccio)
Maurice Campbell
Brian Smith
Ralph K Stuart
2:31.21
Caboodle
Lucky Strike
1974
Mansingh
Wilkes - Starquita (by Star Kingdom)
Bob Skelton
Ray Wallace & Randall Coleman, Takanini
David V Beetham
2:29.2
Ripbang
Rosie’s Girl
1973
Furys Order
Indian Order - Our Fury (by Le Filou)
Des Harris
Wally McEwan, Hawera
Len H Bridgeman
2:35
Jandell
Tinryland Lass
Not run in 2005 with change of date from December to March
In the 1987 race Accountant was first past the post, but relegated.
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.
1875 – Toi
1876 – Ariel
1877 – Danebury
1878 – Venus Transit
1879 – Omega
1880 – Libeller
1881 – Tim Whiffler
1882 – Fitz Hercules
1883 – Welcome Jack
1884 – Nelson
1885 – Tigridia
1886 – Foul Shot
1887 – Disowned
1888 – Sextant
1889 – Cuirassier
1890 – Tirailleur
1891 – Medallion
1892 – Morion
1893 – St. Hippo
1894 – Loyalty
1895 – Stepfeldt
1896 – Fabulist
1897 – Nestor
1898 – St. Crispin
1899 – Blue Jacket
1900 – Miss Delaval
1901 – Renown
1902 – Menschikoff
1903 – Wairiki
1904 – Gladsome
1905 – Gladstone
1906 – Multifid
1907 – Zimmerman
1908 – Boniform
1909 – Husbandman
1910 – Kilwinning
1911 – Danube
1912 – Counterfeit
1913 – Bon Reve
1914 – Cherubini
1915 – Reputation
1916 – Desert Gold
1917 – Sasanof
1918 – Estland
1919 – Gloaming
1920 – Royal Stag
1921 – Gasbag
1922 – Winning Hit
1923 – Enthusiasm
1924 – Ballymena
1925 – Count Cavour
1926 – Star Stranger
1927 – Commendation
1928 – Martarma
1929 – Red Heckle
1930 – Hunting Cry
1931 – Karapoti
1932 – Bronze Eagle
1933 – Silver Scorn
1934 – Red Manfred
1935 – Gay Blonde
1936 – Greek Shepherd
1937 – Essex
1938 – Courtcraft
1939 – Defaulter
1940 – Beau Vite
1941 – Kindergarten
1942 – Regal Fox
1943 – Indian Princess
1944 – Expanse
1945 – Coronaire
1946 – Lady Foxbridge
1947 – Beau Le Havre
1948 – Sweet Nymph
1949 – Tauloch
1950 – Sweet Spray
1951 – Mainbrace
1952 – Dalray
1953 – Programme
1954 – Fox Myth
1955 – Somerset Fair
1956 – Syntax
1957 – Passive/Gibraltar
1958 – Lawful
1959 – Gitano
1960 – Stipulate
1961 – Cracksman
1962 – Tatua
1963 – Ichtar
1964 – Sobig
1965 – Peterman
1966 – Star Belle
1967 – Ben Lomond
1968 – Bardall
1969 – Piko
1970 – Kirrama
1971 – Master John
1972 – Corroboree
See also
Reference list
N.Z. Thoroughbred Racing Inc.
Racenet - Australia's Premier Horse Racing News, Form Guides & Tips
LOVERACING.NZ - New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
TAB | Sports & Racing Betting Online in New Zealand
New Zealand Horse Racing Statistics and Information - RaceBase
The Great Decade of New Zealand racing 1970-1980 . Glengarry, Jack. William Collins Publishers Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018 (47th edition) . Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2017 (46th edition) . Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2008 (37th edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2005 (34th edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2004 (33rd edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2000 (29th edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1997 (26th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1995 (24th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1994 (23rd edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Meadowset Publishing, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1991 (20th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1987 (16th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1985 (Fourteenth edition) . Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1984 (Thirteenth edition) . Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1982 (Eleventh edition) . Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1981 (Tenth edition) . Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1980 (Ninth edition) . Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1979 (Eighth edition) .Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1978 (Seventh edition) .Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1976 . Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland.