Fastnet Rock Colt Wins Karaka 3YO Classic

Media Release - Saturday January 26

New Zealand ex-pat jockey James McDonald made a winning return to his favourite track on Saturday when he was able to ride home Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) to win the Karaka 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Long Leaf wins the Karaka 3YO Classic - Trish DunnllThe David, Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained colt was favoured by punters heading into the race and did not disappoint.

McDonald settled the three-year-old midfield before tracking Media Sensation from the 900m mark. He then drew his charge into the clear at the top of the straight where he went to battle with $160 outsider The Real Beel.

The Sir Peter Vela part-owned colt was able to stave off the challenge to win by a neck over The Real Beel with three-quarters of a length back to race favourite Madison County in third.

Long Leaf was purchased out of Curraghmore's 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale draft by BBA Ireland for $750,000 and carried the colours of part-owner Coolmore to victory on Saturday.

"It's a great thrill for connections, with Sir Peter Vela and the Coolmore boys," McDonald said. "He's a super horse and we got the result."

McDonald said it was exciting to be back racing on his favourite track on one the biggest race days on the New Zealand calendar.

"This is one of my favourite tracks out of everywhere I have ridden," McDonald said. "To get a result for this team has been a great thrill.

"I haven't ridden here for three years and everything has changed, the stables look magnificent."

Sir Peter Vela, who has been a long-time supporter of McDonald, said he was delighted with the win and for his jockey.

"I am thrilled for him (McDonald) and for all the group that own him," Vela said. "He gave it a peach of a ride and I'm just delighted for him to get the accolade."

While pleased with the win, Vela said he is even more satisfied with the success of the Karaka Million concept.

"I am more excited, believe it or not, about the magnificence of the night and the number of people here enjoying it," he said.

"It's a concept we had that was a risk, but it's more than vindicated a lot of opinions.

"A lot of people helped us and a lot of racing clubs gave up their days so this could be made a great night and there are a lot of people who deserve thanks for it."

Vela is looking forward to New Zealand Bloodstock's sales commencing at their Karaka complex on Sunday and said the result of the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) has boosted his confidence leading into the sale.

"I think it has shaped fantastically, given the two-year-old race trifecta was by our biggest buyer (Te Akau) and (Waikato Stud stallion) Savabeel has quinellaed it," he said. "The signs are that it could be outstanding." – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Friday November 22
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
More G1 Success for Fastnet Rock’s Avantage
A Champion 2YO that won the Karaka Million in 2018, quality Fastnet Rock mare Avantage again showed her class at Trentham on Saturday when scoring a determined victory in the Group I JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) defeating Enzo’s Lad, who had won the previous two editions of the prestigious sprint.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Milestone for Fastnet Rock
Champion sire Fastnet Rock clocked up his 100th Graded stakes-winner at the weekend in the US when five year-old entire Desert Stone captured the Group II San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Nicks That Click – Looks Like This One Has Worked Again
This nick involving two champion sires is well proven and documented with a two year-old winner last Saturday appearing as the latest example.
$1million Fastnet Rock Colt Chasing Karaka Million 3YO
Victorian trainer David Hayes will be in New Zealand later this week as he puts the finishing touches on three-year-old colt Conqueror ahead of Saturday’s $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).
Catalogue Online for the Southern Hemisphere Session of the Tattersalls Online December Sale
The catalogue of initial entries for the Southern Hemisphere Session, an innovative collaboration between Tattersalls Online and Inglis Digital, has now been published on the Tattersalls Online website.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.