Second Opunake Cup Win for Longchamp (NZ)

Longchamp (NZ) (Tavistock), who cost $40,000 at the 2013 Select Sale, broke through the $200,000 barrier in prize-money earnings when he successfully defended his title in Sunday’s $65,000 Listed Powerworx Opunake Cup (1400m) at New Plymouth.

The gelding had scored an easy win in the same race last year, and on Sunday he became the first horse to win the Opunake Cup twice.

Ridden by Johnathan Parkes for Opaki trainer Andrew Campbell, Longchamp was trapped wide from his outside gate before working to the lead on the point of the home turn. He opened up a clear advantage, then dug deep to turn back the late challenges of Nashville (NZ) (Darci Brahma), New York Minute (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Taurus (NZ) (No Excuse Needed). Longchamp held on to win by a neck.

“He’d come up good and we thought he was spot on for the race, especially as he was carrying just the 56.5 kilograms which was a great weight for him,” Campbell said. “He’s just so brave and although he’s had a hard run all the way he’s done the job. He’s got a heart the size of a lion.

“He’s had a lot of issues on the way through, so we’re just so proud of him and I’m thrilled for all the people who have helped us along the way. It’s just an amazing result and we can carry on towards the Group 1 (Tarzino Trophy at Hastings on September 2) now.”

Bred by Cambridge Stud’s Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan in partnership with Letmar Investments Ltd, Longchamp is out of the Danehill mare Shot at the Title. He was offered by Cambridge Stud at the 2013 Select Sale, where Campbell bought him for $40,000.

Longchamp is raced by prominent owners Tommy Heptinstall, John Barnao, David Platt and Tom Pivac, with ownership also shared by N Cruickshank, C B McDowell, W C Webb and the Withoniel Syndicate. The five-year-old has had 22 starts for seven wins, four placings and prize-money of $201,745 – more than five times his purchase price.