Rocket Spade

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Rocket Spade
SireFastnet Rock
GrandsireDanehill
DamAffairoftheheart
DamsireFusaichi Pegasus
SexColt
Foaled (2017-10-21) 21 October 2017 (age 6)[1]
CountryAustralia
ColourBay
BreederSun Kingdom
OwnerHermitage Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd
TrainerLance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
Record8:4-2-0
EarningsNZ$745,450
Major wins
New Zealand Derby (2021)

Rocket Spade (foaled 21 October 2017)[1] is an Australian-bred racehorse who is owned and trained in New Zealand. In 2021 he won the 146th running of the New Zealand Derby.

Background[edit]

Rocket Spade was bred by Sun Kingdom in Australia and sold through the Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale for A$425,000. He is by Fastnet Rock out of a Fusaichi Pegasus mare, whose half-sister Soriano won two Group One races in New Zealand.

Racing career[edit]

2019/20: three-year-old season[edit]

Trained by Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott at Matamata, Rocket Spade made his debut on his home track in September 2020 with a strong come-from-behind win. He finished second in his second start, then ran fourth in the Group 2 Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa and fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Upon his return to the north, Rocket Spade scored impressive wins in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas and Avondale Guineas, with a placing against older horses in between times.

Sent out as the favourite in the New Zealand Derby, Rocket Spade produced a strong finish from last to edge out Milford and Frontman in a three-way battle to the finish.[2]

In April 2021 Rocket Spade was placed 8th in the Australian Derby behind Explosive Jack and Young Werther.

On 13 September 2021 Rocket Spade was exported to Hong Kong.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Rocket Spade Horse Pedigree". www.pedigreequery.com.
  2. ^ Desk, NZ Racing. "Rocket Spade wins thrilling New Zealand Derby | NZ Racing News".