Third Group 1 win for Gingernuts (NZ)

Gingernuts (NZ) (Iffraaj) flew the flag for New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale with his spectacular three-year-old heroics last season, and at Hastings on Saturday he picked up right where he had left off with his third Group 1 win in the $200,000 Windsor Park Plate (1600m).

Purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $42,500 at the 2015 Ready to Run Sale, Gingernuts took his prizemoney earnings past $1 million with brilliant victories in last season’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas, Group 1 New Zealand Derby and Group 1 Rosehill Guineas.

After an eye-catching late run into fifth place first-up in the Tarzino Trophy (1400m) three weeks earlier, Gingernuts relished the extra distance of Saturday’s race.

After getting back just worse than midfield through the early part of the race, he came wide in the straight with Opie Bosson in the saddle and finished over the top of Group 1 winners Close Up (NZ) (Shinko King) and Kawi (NZ) (Savabeel) for a scintillating win.

Taking dozens of owners and an increasing number of fans on an exhilarating ride, Gingernuts has now had 11 starts for six wins and more than $1.22 million in prize-money.

“The horse still isn’t 100 per cent in the coat just yet,” co-trainer Jamie Richards said. “He’s a staying type of horse and to win over a mile at weight-for-age as a four-year-old is a great effort.

“There’s a great team of owners behind this horse – it’s good for racing and it’s great to be part of it.”