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.”
To follow Don Diego De Vega’s next races and get the best odds, visit our trusted betting sites.
More Racing News
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...
Wise Inlaw Triumphs in Creswick Stakes with Cartwright Up
Luke Cartwright achieved a career highlight aboard Wise Inlaw in Saturday's $175,000 A R Creswick Stakes at Flemington over 1200 metres.The leading metropolitan apprentice in Victoria notched his first Stakes race victory guiding the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained gelding to the winner's circle in the Listed event.This occasion represented...