Archibalds’ import captures win in a messy Grafton Cup 2025

Don Diego De Vega produced a stunning Australian breakthrough in the Grafton Cup (2350m), navigating a late scratching and a race-turning moment to land Thursday’s feature.

Pre-race favourite Bear On The Loose was scratched at the gates after getting his leg over, prompting quick thinking from jockey Zac Lloyd, who adjusted tactics immediately.

“We changed plans on the fly. He was keen pre-race and jumped beautifully, which gave us the perfect spot,” Lloyd told Sky Racing. “He travelled like a dream and it all worked out.”

With Quietness ($4.60) leading, Don Diego De Vega ($4.60) sat just behind before striking in the straight. Quietness lost momentum by ducking out badly, allowing Lloyd’s mount to charge through and score by 0.75 lengths. Zoology ($15) filled third, a further length away.

The victory delivered first Grafton Cup wins for both Lloyd and co-trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald. It was also a long-awaited local success for Lloyd, who started his career in the Northern Rivers.

“Special to win this race back where it all started,” Lloyd said. “He’s a horse with real potential.”

Don Diego De Vega’s ownership group Australian Bloodstock are hopeful the gelding can press on to bigger staying targets this spring after defying concerns about the dry surface.

“We thought the track might test him, but he handled it brilliantly,” part-owner Brendan Nelson said. “This opens a few doors heading into the carnival.”

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