First Leg of NZB Filly of the Year Series Continues to Honour Gold Trail's Legacy

This Saturday sees the running of the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie, the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series.

Fittingly the race’s namesake, Gold Trail (Chief Ruler), was a graduate of the National Yearling Sales Series which will celebrate its 100th year this January at Karaka. Purchased for 150 guineas at the 1931 Sale, she was the first racehorse ever owned and raced by Dennis Douglas from Hawke’s Bay. He was, however, a grandson of prominent racehorse owner William Douglas, the founder of Te Mahanga Stud who formed the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club in 1875.

Gold Trail raced in the family colours of William Douglas. The impeccably-bred filly, a granddaughter of Desert Gold, the first horse to win 19 consecutive races while racing in New Zealand and Australia, was bred by Thomas Henry Lowry who developed Okawa Stud from a sheep and beef farm into one of New Zealand’s iconic studs.

Gold Trail proved to be a star on the racetrack, winning twelve times including many premier races. Once retired to stud, Gold Trail left six foals. Her grandson Goldmyth took out the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2) and her great grandson Kalgoorlie won 26 races.

In acknowledgement of her wins, the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club named a race after her – the Gold Trail Stakes, with the 2025 edition to be run at 3.25pm tomorrow at Ellerslie.