Zed Stayer Wins Awapuni Gold Cup

Media Release - Saturday March 30

Group I winning filly Verry Elleegant was not the only stakes-winner for Zed on Saturday, with former Wellington and Auckland Cup placegetter Jacksstar making an emotional return to the winner's enclosure when he out-stayed his rivals to capture the Group II City Of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) on his home turf on Saturday.

Jacksstar - Race Images Peter RuberyThe Awapuni-trained galloper has had nothing but bad luck since finishing a gallant third in the 2018 Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m), in the process sustaining a serious tendon injury.

Off the scene for over eighteen months the Zed gelding resumed in November last year, with a steady build-up aimed at the 2019 Gr.2 Wellington Cup (3200m) in January. Bad luck struck once again with a pulled shoe during the running accounting for a lack-lustre effort in the two-mile feature whilst he also missed a run in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) after suffering another niggling injury when finishing fifth in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) in February.

Unsighted since that Avondale Cup run, Jacksstar wasn't amongst the favoured brigade for Saturday's contest despite his liking for his home track and the Good3 surface on offer.

Handled superbly by rider Chris Johnson the hardy son of Zed capitalised on a perfect run in transit to outstay his main challenger, Sampson, over the final 200m to rack up his seventh career victory.

Trainer Gary Vile was struggling to keep his emotions in check as he outlined what the horse had been through over the last two years.

"That's as good as it comes," Vile said.

"To get this horse back after where he was two-years ago is unbelievable.

"He was spot on for the Auckland Cup (March 2019) after pulling a shoe in the Wellington Cup, where he pulled up sore.

"The Avondale Cup run was terrific but then he got a bit of a knee complaint.

"Through my vets, Vivienne (partner Vivienne Kaye) and my staff, we got him here."

Vile candidly admits there is no love lost with his charge, who can prove a handful around the stable.

"He's not really (a stable favourite), he's a horrible horse," he said.

"He's a really hard horse to train but he's one of the better ones.

"His work had been great and he's a true-blue stayer who likes a good track.

"He will go to the Hawke's Bay Cup now and that will be his lot."

The Listed Hawke's Bay Cup (2200m) is the feature event at Hastings on April 13.

The victory has taken Jacksstar's career record to seven wins from 39 starts and over $332,000 in stakes earnings. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
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.
Star Kiwi Bred Mare Verry Ellegant Ready for Return
Dual Group One winner Verry Elleegant is one of four Chris Waller-trained gallopers nominated for Saturday’s Group I Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, joining stablemates Unforgotten, Youngstar and Kings Will Dream.
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.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.