Sandown suits Regal Zeus in 2025 Lord Stakes win at Sandown

John McArdle may have expected a relaxed Boxing Day at Sandown, but a firm reminder from home ensured he arrived trackside dressed for a feature race occasion.

With Regal Zeus preparing to contest the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m), McArdle took his partner’s advice and opted for formal wear.

“My wife said, ‘you’ve got a runner in a stakes race so put the suit on’,” McArdle said pre-race.

“I didn’t want to, but here we are.”

The suit proved lucky as Regal Zeus ($6) delivered a strong finishing effort to score by three-quarters of a length, marking his second stakes success in just four weeks.

The gelding had earlier claimed the Listed Kilmore Cup (1600m) and responded well to returning to his preferred mile distance.

“Getting back to the mile with a race shape that suited him, and Jye (Mcneil) rode him perfectly,” McArdle added.

“He hadn’t ridden him before and the guy is a professional looking at his videos. We had a good discussion before the race as to how you have to ride him.

“When he gets a kick around the turn over a mile, he’s a hard one to beat.”

Regal Zeus prevailed over St Lawrence ($15), with Detonator Jack ($6) finishing 1¼ lengths away in third, denying Gavin Bedggood another feature victory on the day.

McNeil credited the gelding’s early work and timing.

“He began really well which was key,” McNeil said.

“He really settled into his rhythm nicely plus the key moment of getting going at the right time.”

Craig ($4.60) was never in contention after a slow start, finishing near the tail of the field.

Odds and future betting options for Regal Zeus can be found via the Australian betting sites list.