At Morphettville Racecourse on Saturday, Desert Lightning produced a blistering late run to capture the Group One Goodwood (1200m) and complete a memorable Adelaide carnival double for Karaka graduates.
The son of Pride of Dubai became the ninth graduate from Karaka 2021 to claim Group One success in Australia, adding further prestige to an already outstanding season for New Zealand bloodstock.
Purchased for $150,000 from Little Avondale Stud during Book 1 of Karaka 2021 by Peter and Dawn Williams for Barneswood Farm’s Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer, Desert Lightning has now earned more than A$2.23 million in prize-money across his career.
With owners Sarah and Chris Green making the journey from New Zealand to Adelaide, Desert Lightning delivered one of the performances of the carnival under jockey Luke Nolen. Charging down the Morphettville straight, he edged out favourite Extragalactic by a half-head in a dramatic finish, with only a length separating the first five runners home.
“He’s been flying at home,” Nolen said after the race. “He had a tough run when he was fourth first-up carrying 60 kilos in the Hareeba, but the camp and myself had genuine hopes that he could win here today.
“The Greens come over from New Zealand and watch him every time. They’ve always allowed Peter and Katherine to do their thing without pressure, and they’re wonderful racing people to be involved with.”
Trainer Katherine Coleman described the gelding as one of the stable favourites.
“He’s such a tough horse and such a character,” Coleman said. “Everyone in the stable adores him. Chris and Sarah travelled all the way from New Zealand to be here for this moment and that makes it incredibly special.”
The Desert Lightning Goodwood win capped a significant weekend for Karaka graduates across Australasia.
At Gosford, Asterix continued his resurgence with victory in the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m), backing up his recent Group Three success at Randwick. The gelding, trained by Chris Waller, has now earned more than A$1.27 million.
“He’s a happy horse and going better than ever,” stable representative Zane Jones said. “He’s underrated, but he keeps stepping up every time.”
The Gold Coast Bracelet also produced a strong Karaka result, with Nightline defeating fellow , Single Red in the Listed feature over 1800 metres.
Trainer Tony Sears believes Nightline has the talent to continue climbing through the grades.
“This horse is very, very special,” Sears said. “She’s got gears that a lot of horses simply don’t possess.”
Rotorua’s feature meeting delivered another notable performance from a Karaka graduate as Pacifico battled strongly to take out the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m). Trainer Andrew Forsman praised the gelding’s toughness after the victory.
“He keeps surprising us and keeps improving,” Forsman said. “Now that he’s won over this trip, it opens up plenty more options.”
In the Group Three Rotorua ITM Stakes, Churchillian dominated from the front to secure her 10th career win for trainer Tony Pike.
Attention is also building toward the upcoming Gavelhouse Plus online auction, where stakes-winning mares Hitabell and Glamour Tycoon headline Stephen Marsh’s draft.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz