Horse race in New Zealand
Desert Gold
The Desert Gold Stakes is a horse race held by the Wellington Racing Club at Trentham Racecourse named in honor of the great filly , Desert Gold . The horses taking part are 3 year-old fillies which race over 1600 metres.
History
The Desert Gold Stakes was first held in 1947 when there was two Desert Gold Stakes, the first in January won by Indian Dawn and then another in October won by Regal Gem.[ 1]
The race was previously held in March (2003-2005) and late October (up to 2001) but is now held on Wellington Cup day in January. The Desert Gold Stakes was raced over a 1500m journey from 2000 to 2005. The 1998 event was raced over 1600m at Hastings. It is currently a Group 3 event but in the 1980s it held Group 2 status.
Notable winners include La Crique, La Mer and Princess Coup . Those who could only manage a placing include: Bonneval , Katie Lee and Tycoon Lil.
Savabeel has sired four winners between 2016 and 2023. Champion jockey Grenville Hughes rode four winners between 1953 and 1975.
Race results
The following are the winners and place-getters of the Desert Gold Stakes since 1947.[ 2]
Year
Winner
Jockey
Trainer(s)
Owner(s)
Sire
Dam
Time
Second
Third
2025[ 3]
Leica Lucy 56.5
Craig Grylls
Robbie Patterson[ 4]
Peter J & Heather J Crofskey
Derryn (Aus)
Dynamite Lucy
1:35.19 (good)
Connello 56.5
Renovations 56.5
2024[ 5]
Sudbina 56.5[ 6]
Kozzi Asano
Roger James & Robert Wellwood[ 7]
Frantic Bloodstock Ltd & Haunui Bloodstock Ltd
Almanzor
Destined
1:36.75 (soft)
Grail Seeker 56.5
The Entertainer 56.5
2023 [ 8]
Mazzolino 56.5
Sam Weatherley
Stephen Marsh
Waikato Stud Ltd
Savabeel
Posy
1:39.92 (heavy)
Pennyweka 56.5
Beyond Violet 56.5
2022[ 9]
La Crique 56.5[ 10]
Craig Grylls
Simon & Katrina Alexander
Mrs J K & J T Cassin
Vadamos
Destiny Cove
1:35.88. (Dead)
Sassy Merlot 56.5
Love Letter 56.5
2021 [ 11]
Force Of Will 56.5
Craig Grylls
Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
Go Bloodstock Australia Pty Ltd
Power (GB)
Sade
1:37.84
Victorem 56.5
Passione 56.6
2020 [ 12]
Showbeel 56.5 [ 13]
Opie Bosson [ 14]
Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge
WG Candy & WH Luff
Savabeel
Showileo (Aust)
1:36.91
Loire 56.5
Jennifer Eccles 56.5
2019 [ 15]
Secret Allure 56.5[ 16]
Leith Innes
Lisa Latta
AJ Rennie, TD Tomlins, P Finlayson, KTJ Dixon, M Passey, DA Masters, LM Latta
Zacinto (GB)
Secret Scene
1:37.12
Jakkalbomb 56.5
Valalie (AUS) 56.5
2018 [ 17] [ 18]
Dijon Bleu 56.5
Leith Innes
Lisa Latta
KTJ Dixon, P Finlayson, LM Latta, DA Masters, MG Passey, AJ Rennie, TD Tomlins
Burgundy
Pristino
1:37.88
Blanco Belle 56.5
Milseain 56.5
2017 [ 19] [ 20]
Nicoletta 56.5
Michael Coleman
Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman
JML Bloodstock Ltd (L Petagna, manager)
Savabeel
Celtic Crown (USA)
1:37.46
Devise 56.5
Bonneval 56.5
2016 [ 21]
Duchess Kate 56.5
Matt Cameron
Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards
Whitby Bloodstock Trust
Savabeel
Royal Prize
1:36.92
Bella Court 56.5
Strada Cavallo 56.5
2015 [ 22]
Platinum Witness
Darryl Bradley
Lisa Latta
Lincoln Farms Ltd & N J McAlister
California Dane (AUS)
Chartreuse
1:36.04
Attention Seeker
Exquisite Jewel
2014 [ 23]
Moozoon
Mark Sweeney
Stephen McKee, Ardmore
Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum
Perfectly Ready (AUS)
Mizzna
1:35.76
Miss Selby
Costa Viva (AUS)
2013[ 24]
High Fashion
Hayden Tinsley
Kevin Gray
H M & Mrs P M Forbes
O'Reilly
Pin High
1:36.34
Soriano
Lucky Country
2012[ 25]
Quintessential
Lisa Allpress
John Sargent
Nearco Stud Ltd (Mgr A E Clark)
Fast ‘N’ Famous
Florette (USA)
1:37.62
Capital Diamond
Artistic
2011[ 26]
Dating
James McDonald
Graeme & Debbie Rogerson
Waikato Stud 2001 Ltd
O'Reilly
Mandate
1:37.34
Angel Del Dinero
L’Armour
2010[ 27]
Keep The Peace
Jason Waddell
Shaune Ritchie
P E Bellingham, L R & L R D Dittman
Keeper (AUS)
Peace of Mind
1:37.73
Marsh Harbour
Katie Lee
2009[ 28]
Glamorous Girl
Andrew Calder
Roger James & Paul Mirabeli
Kingsclere Filly Syndicate 2007
Thorn Park (AUS)
J’Lo
1:36.85
Puttanesca
Awesome Planet (Aus)
2008[ 29]
Keepa Cruisin 56
Leith Innes
Stephen McKee, Ardmore
Karreman Bloodstock Ltd
Keeper (AUS)
Just Cruising (Aus), by Broad Beach
1:35.8
Kaatoon 56
Bella Valentina 56
2007[ 30]
Princess Coup 56[ 31]
Opie Bosson
Mark Walker
Bromley Bloodstock Ltd & R A Coupland
Encosta De Lago (AUS)
Stoneyfell Road (AUS)
1:37.99
Veloce Bella 56
Shira 56
2006 Jan
Out of Align[ 32] 56
Scott Seamer
Gary Vile
CD Allison, CV & JA Barnao, DV & Mrs HR Gilliard & TP Heptinstall
Align (AUS)
Limerick Lea
1:36.48
Legs 56
Pulcinella 56
2005[ 33] March
Senorita Dane 56
Jamie Bullard
Paul Harris, Rangiora
Bend The Arm Syndicate No 3 & The Ratpack Syndicate
Senor Pete (USA)
Snadame
1:31.14 (1500m)
Sista 56
Ladykin 56
2004[ 34] March
Pride Of The Class
Mark Barnsley
Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott
Class of 2002 Syndicate
Volksraad
Grosvenor's Pride
1:31.89 (1500m)
Rapid Kay
Vision
2003 March
Lonestar Lady 56
Hayden Tinsley
S Mitchell
MA & Mrs PH Brenton-Rule
Deputy Governor (USA)
My Good Omen (AUS)
1:29.0 (1500m)
Luscious Lady 56
Fontaine 56
2002
not raced
2001
Blackrock College 56
Hayden Tinsley
John Wheeler
JG & Mrs TA Donovan, JR & Mrs LJ Wheeler
Volksraad (GB)
Marscade
1:35.71 (1500m)
Elfonze 56
Kapiston (AUS) 56
2000
Singalong 56
Noel Harris
Stephen Autridge
Miss WL & Lady Hogan & Mrs NK Hunt
Danasinga (AUS)
Echostatic
1:30.63 (1500m)
La Bella Dama 56
Mine D’Or 56
1999[ 35]
Thee Old Dragon 56
Tony Allan
Alan Jones & Brett McDonald, Cambridge
Thee Old Dragon Syndicate
Desert Sun (GB)
Lady Kintyre
1:36.34
Party Queen 56
Jetline 56
1998
Pace Invader 56
David Walsh
A Clark
PR Dickinson, AR & EJ Johnson & CT Wintle
Westminster
Grey Invader
1:36.09
Mi Babe 56
Luvtonoah 56
1997[ 36]
Alavana 55
Gary Grylls
G K Sanders, Te Awamutu
CL and Mrs RL McKay
Christmas Tree
Morgaine
1:39.74
Tycoon Lil (AUS) 55
Rivatar 55
1996
Tartan Belle 55
Vincent Colgan
Roger James & Lance Noble
Mrs BN, Messrs D & ID & Mrs V Campbell
Kreisler
Argyll Dazzler
1:37.77
Gold Cloud 55
Sawatdee 55
1995[ 37]
Clear Rose 55.5
Noel Harris
Laurie Laxon
Laurie Laxon, CL Leong, PJ & PM Vela
Deputy Governor
Thosada Rose
1:39.21
Miss Tree 56
Sojourner 56
1994[ 38]
Moonshine 55.5
Shane Udy
Stephen & Trevor McKee , Takanini
W Heathcote & Trevor McKee
Sound Reason
Sister Moonshine
1:37.16
Helen’s Pride 55.5
Tidal Rhythm 55.5
1993 October
Facing The Music 55.5
DP Smith
M B Ingram
M B Ingram
Sackford
Composing
1:39.35
Silver Chalice 55.5
Real Success 55.5
1992
Larrikan Lady 55.5
Lisa D McGregor
A L Good
K Betty, KV Robinson, EJ Pratt & G Rotherham
Icelandic
Zoomer
1:58.19 (heavy)
Star Of Tudor 55.5
Slanchyvah 55.5
1991
Staring 55.5
Larry Cassidy
Murray Baker
MM Andersen & MJ Gyde
Fiesta Star
Sweet Violet
1:42.99
Normandy River 55.5
Colours 55.5
1990 October[ 39]
Morning Rise 55.5
Grant Cooksley
Colin Jillings [ 40] & Richard Yull
Karaka Verandah Racing Ltd & Co
Straight Strike
Rivermist
1:44.11
Auburn Blaze 55.5
Cupri Rosa 55.5
1989
Madame Bardot 55.5
Larry Cassidy
D N Couchman & P S Belsham
DG & GD & Mrs P Smart
Little Brown Jug
Bashful Row
1:47.22
Princess Rojuan 56
Our Hawk 56
1988
Olga's Pal 55.5
Brian Hibberd
Bob & Toby Autridge
HJ Fleming
Straight Strike
Tinawin
1:39.42
Imperialaire 55.5
Kate’s Myth (AUS) 55.5
1987 October
Impasada 55.5
Brian Hibberd
Dave and Paul O'Sullivan
Eric Hopson[ 41]
Imperial Seal
Charsada
1:38.74
Serestrina 55.5
Candide 55.5
1986 October[ 42]
Tri Belle 55.5
MR Campbell
Ray Verner
Estate of J Sarten
Sir Tristram
Stellar Belle
1:41.83
Never Winter 55.5
Radiate 55.5
1985
Josette Nicole 55.5
G Elliott
E W Rayner
Mr & Mrs KIA Taylor
Three Legs
Diatrelic
1:42.93
Seadreamer 55.5
Classic Ace 55.5
1984[ 43]
Avana 55.5
Noel Harris
R T Cleaver, Cambridge
PJ Holman & AG Kostanich
Avaray
Lyn Hanan
1:38.14
Jayell's Pride 55.5
Princess Dram 55.5
1983[ 44]
Eastern Bay 55.5
David Walsh
W J Bromby, Cambridge
HL Briggs, J McCartie & Mrs K Whitely
Princely Note
Ashling
1:45.57 Heavy
Otola Belle 55.5
Walksfar 55.5
1982
Our Flight[ 45]
M R Campbell
E B Skelton
J W Rusher
Imperial Guard
Jane Flight
1:40.25 soft
Passakiss 55.5
Beaufort Lass 55.5
1981[ 46]
Swell Deal[ 47] 55.5
M R Campbell
L R Douglas & A L Jones
A L Jones
Crest Of The Wave
Dollar A Deal
1:46.5 heavy
Julia 55.5
Blarney Lass 55.5
1980[ 48]
Polar Air[ 49]
Peter Johnson
R J Curlett
Mr R J & Mrs Curlett
Frontal (USA)
Amerijet
1:39.0
Summer Haze 55.5
Full Of Grace 55.5
1979[ 50]
Gay Sharon[ 51] 55.5
Des Harris
R B Dowling & R J Walsh
J L Chiongbian & V B Johnson
Taipan II (USA)
Gay Sovereign
1:39.75
Judena 55.5
Pays Anne 55.5
1978[ 52]
Springtide 55.5
Robert Vance
Colin Jillings , Takanini
E L Gaylord & H Noble
Karayar
Eskimo Princess
1:42.5 Soft
Tang 55.5
Musical Lady 55.5
1977[ 53]
Tudor Quest 55.5
J W Walker
D Grubb, Feilding
JR Gilbert, NC Salisbury, Dr J Hall & Dr WJ Treadwell
Pass The Bottle
Star Quest
1:39 Firm
Mun Lee 55.5
Braless 55.5
1976
La Mer [ 54]
Des Harris
Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth
Est L A Alexander
Copenhagen II
Royal Charger, by Worden
1:39.75
Regal Band
Rina
1975[ 55]
Mop[ 56]
Grenville Hughes
T C Lowry
Taipan II (US)
Rag Doll (NZ)
1:39
1974
Persuasion
Brent Thomson
N B Hunt
My Heart
1:47
1973
Prepak[ 57]
David Peake
N HW Amon
Pakistan II
Precarious (NZ)
1:38.5
1972
Peg's Pride
Des Harris
P J Burrows
Alcimedes (GB)
Winnipeg II (NZ)
1:38.75
1971
Young Ida
HN Rauhihi
J H T Duncan
Oncidium (GB)
Young Margaret II (Ire)
1:45.75
1970
Brookby Hill
KS Cullen
R G Chitty
1:44
1969
Ruelle[ 58]
Grenville Hughes
Mrs C C E Thompson
Summertime (GB)
Ruve (NZ)
1:36.75
1968
Brazil
BS Dodds
J D & L D Georgetti
Better Honey (GB)
Moonee Valley (NZ)
1:41.25
1967
High Delight
Bill Skelton
A E & Mrs Preston
1:38
1966
Star Belle
Bob Skelton
J Sarten
1:43.25
1965
Fairfleet
R Fisher
A G & Mrs Tinkham
1:40
1964
Trial Offer
KS Cullen
C W Berry & B Hayter
1:46.25
1963
Cicada
Grenville Hughes
L S Otway
1:38.25
1962
Blyton
JF Grylls
Sir James & J C Fletcher
1:43.5
1961
Key
KS Cullen
T C Lowry
1:37.75
1960
Challen
Des J Wyatt
J B Mitchell
1:39.5
1959
Sigh
Bob Skelton
J G Alexander
1:43
1958
Jaina
J T Anderson
H C Adams & P G Henwood
1:42.25
1957
Saecelle
N E Eastwood
Mrs F A Roberts
1:39
1956
Passive
Bill Broughton
J A Mitchell
1:38.5
1955
Gentle Lu
J W Harris
L W Davis
1:44.75
1954
Glenlee
C A Bowry
Mrs D Macpherson
1:39.5
1953
Sweet Wren
Grenville Hughes
T M Roberts
1:38.75
1952
Hello Pam
Norm Holland
J A Betts
1:40.25
1951
Princess Loch
Vic Sellars
K W Honeyfield
1:42.25
1950
Zenith
W R Hooten
F Smith
1:39
1949
Dixie
J A McFarlane
Mrs D H Blackie
1:48
1948
Flying Sovereign
C T Wilson
Mrs G Murray-Aynsley
1:41.25
1947 (October)
Regal Gem
J A McFarlane
J A Higgs
1:48.5
1947 (January)
Indian Dawn
J A McFarlane
Mrs N H Barlow
1:38.5
See also
References
^ "Desert Gold Winners" . Archived from the original on 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2021-01-24 .
^ "Desert Gold Stakes Winners" . Wellington Racing Club .
^ "Race 6 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 18 JAN 2025 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ " 'Better chance': Trainer's high hopes for Leica Lucy in Desert Gold Stakes" . NZ Herald . January 18, 2025.
^ "Race 5 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 20 JAN 2024 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Timely win in Desert Gold Stakes for Sudbina" . Wellington Racing Club .
^ "James and Wellwood go one better in Desert Gold" . NZ Herald . January 17, 2025.
^ "Race 6 NZ BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2023 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "Race 6 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 29 JAN 2022 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "La Crique Chasing Another G1 | Breednet" . www.breednet.com.au .
^ "Race 6 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 30 JAN 2021 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "Race 5 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 18 JAN 2020 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "Showbeel (NZ) Upsets Filly of the Year Leaders in Desert Gold | New Zealand Bloodstock | Thoroughbred Auction House" .
^ "Bosson nails first Trentham feature on Showbeel" .
^ "Race 8 WILLIMENT TRAVEL GROUP DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 19 JAN 2019 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "Winners Again in G3 Desert Gold Stakes | New Zealand Bloodstock | Thoroughbred Auction House" .
^ "Race 8 METROCLAD-TERRACADE DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 20 JAN 2018 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2018 (47th edition) . Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ "Race 6 WELLFIELD DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2017 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2017 (46th edition) . Dennis Ryan, Editor, Racing Media NZ Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ "Race 8 WELLFIELD DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 30 JAN 2016 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "Race 5 WELLFIELD DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 24 JAN 2015 | LOVERACING.NZ" .
^ "Race 5 TIGER PRAWN DESERT GOLD STAKES (GROUP III) at WELLINGTON RC on 25 JAN 2014 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Race 5 TIGER PRAWN DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 26 JAN 2013 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Race 5 TIGER PRAWN DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 28 JAN 2012 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Race 5 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 29 JAN 2011 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Race 5 LITTLE INDIA DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 30 JAN 2010 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Race 5 STELLA ARTOIS DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 24 JAN 2009 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2008 (37th edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
^ "Race 5 NEW ZEALAND BLOODSTOCK DESERT GOLD STAKES at WELLINGTON RC on 27 JAN 2007 | LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ "Princess Coup" . Te Akau Racing .
^ "Out Of Align (NZ) 2002 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
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^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2004 (33rd edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Paeroa, New Zealand.
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 2000 (29th edition) . Bradford, David, Editor. Bradford Publishing Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1997 (26th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1995 (24th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Mike Dillon's Racing Enterprises Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1994 (23rd edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Meadowset Publishing, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1991 (20th edition) . Dillon, Mike, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
^ "Racenet - Australia's Premier Horse Racing News, Form Guides & Tips" . racenet.com.au .
^ "Leading NZ racehorse owner dies > Australia and International Horse Racing news updated daily" . www.thoroughbrednews.com.au .
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^ "Our Flight (NZ) 1979 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
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^ "Swell Deal (NZ) 1978 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
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^ "Polar Air (NZ) 1977 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
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^ "Gay Sharon (NZ) 1976 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
^ New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Annual 1979 (Eighth edition) .Costello, John, Editor. Moa Publications, Auckland, New Zealand.
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^ "La Mer (NZ) 1973 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
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^ "Mop (NZ) 1972 / Breeding / LOVERACING.NZ" . loveracing.nz .
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