Unbeaten Karaka Graduate May Return to New Zealand

Beautifully bred colt Long Leaf (Fastnet Rock) was a star performer in the Karaka sale ring and may now be given the chance to shine on a New Zealand racetrack.

The David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Long Leaf, who was bought for $750,000 at the Premier Sale in January of this year, kept his unbeaten record intact with a strong performance in Saturday’s A$120,000 Listed Thoroughbred Club Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, the colt went forward from his wide gate and sat outside the leader before pushing the button in the home straight. He was challenged by the fast-finishing favourite Oohood (I Am Invincible), but kept lifting and won by a short head.

Long Leaf has now had two starts for two wins and A$100,000 in prize-money for owners Coolmore (Mgr: T V Magnier), Sir Peter Vela, D J Matheson, M V Magnier, Dr D O’Byrne and M J Kirwan.

“I love this horse, because I think he's a 1400-metre horse and he's won a 1000-metre Listed race before Christmas,” David Hayes said.

“When Tony's horse came up on his outside so quickly, Kerrin (McEvoy) hadn't let go yet and he showed real determination.

“The Karaka Million (at Ellerslie in Auckland on January 27) has been the plan right through.”