Hippopus (NZ) Maintains Kiwi 3YO Charge

Kiwi bred three-year-olds are enjoying a brilliant run of success in Australia this year and that success continued yesterday with Hippopus (NZ) winning the A$150,000 Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington.

The Gai Waterhouse trained colt (ex Straight Eight) was a heavy favourite to win the race having run fifth in the Group 1 Australian Derby behind kiwi star It’s a Dundeel (NZ), also by High Chaparral, and second in the Group 2 Tullock Stakes two starts ago.

Ridden by in form jockey Craig Williams, Hippopus put in a good performance sitting behind the leaders for the majority of the race until he hit clear running at the 300 metre mark, going on to win by three lengths.  

Bred by the Alchemy Family Trust, Mrs M & W J Nicholl & Windsor Park Stud, Hippopus is raced by Mr J Tan, Mrs G Wong and Miss G Tan and has now won four of his ten starts with a further three placings for over $200,000 in stakes.

The three-year-old was purchased by Gai Waterhouse from Windsor Park Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $350,000.

Hippopus is the 41st stakes winner for his sire High Chaparral who is having a good season courtesy of the Triple Crown winner It’s a Dundeel, Group 1 Chipping Norton winner Shootout and Group 1 placed Kingdoms and Chaparrone. 

For news and information from New Zealand Bloodstock visit www.nzb.co.nz.