Article by NZ Racing Desk: Legarto’s last-gasp triumph in the G1 Australian Guineas at Flemington was a tonic for New Zealand’s bloodstock industry – and it was fully enjoyed by a father-and-daughter breeding team ob opposite sides of the globe.
Fastnet Rock Sires NZ Derby Winner Second Year in a Row bloodhorse.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bloodhorse.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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In a desperate three-way finish to the blue riband Group 1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m), it was race favourite Rocket Spade who came out on top at the conclusion of a thrilling contest.
The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained colt had gone into the race off a strong performance to win the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) in his final lead-up to Sunday’s feature event at Ellerslie.
That run had hinted the son of Fastnet Rock would thrive on the 2400m of the Derby and so it proved as rider Craig Grylls provided a masterclass in getting Rocket Spade home after the pair were in last position with just 600m to run.