A ride down memory lane | Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic

Craig Baker, Executive GM of Racing – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

“When thinking about memories regarding the Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic, it is difficult to go past the 2001 victory of Zonda ridden by a youthful Vinnie Colgan.

“The son of Zabeel was a star winning the 1997 NZ Derby coming from off the pace.  He then went to Melbourne and Sydney and was highly competitive with their best three-year-olds such as Gold Guru (family of recent VRC Derby winner, Goldrush Guru) and Tie The Knot.

“Back to New Zealand as a four-year-old,  he won the King’s Plate over 1600 metres on Boxing Day before beating Giovana and Cronus in the Zabeel Classic ridden by the legendary, Damian Oliver, six days later, when the race was run on 2 January.  Injuries restricted his career to 15 starts winning six including two Group 1 races. He was of the highest class that will live long in the memory.”

Lance Noble, Private Trainer – Cambridge Stud

“Zonda and Vinnie Colgan combining to take out the 2001 edition would have to stand out for me too.”

Ashvin Goindasamy, Jockey

Leith Innes, Retired Jockey

“My favourite memory of the Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic is winning on St Reims. I thought a lot of the horse and it was a challenging race that came with a bit of controversy, so I was thrilled to get the job done on what is an iconic race on the NZ racing calendar” 

Sam Bergerson, Co-Trainer – Te Akau Racing

“The cherry on top of an already unbelievable day for the team was Campionessa taking out the Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic on Boxing Day in 2023.

“To have 5 winners on Boxing Day is something you could never really even dream of. It was a fantastic day of racing, very competitive and we nearly got to a 6th win with Quintessa going down by half a head in the Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas.

“It was surreal how it all played out on the day. We started off well and it just continued. Campionessa was obviously the highlight with Opie, to see her get her Group 1 which was so well deserved. It was an incredible day that I will never forget.”

Paul Wilcox, CEO – Auckland Thoroughbred Racing

“My favourite Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic memory has to be Shez Sinsational’s incredible win in 2012. Having world-class jockey James McDonald in the saddle made it a truly unforgettable moment in racing for me.”