History for Lazarus in Vincent Delaney Memorial

Lazarus marked a unique moment in his career at stud, as his two-year-old filly Queenstown claimed Group One success in the Vincent Delaney Memorial in Wales this weekend.

Queenstown

The pinnacle of harness racing in the United Kingdom, fans flock from all over the world to attend the meeting which was held at Tir Prince Raceway in North Wales.

The best horses from across the United Kingdom and Ireland travel long distances in order to compete against the best horses on the all weather surface.

After previously winning two Group races from as many starts, Queenstown had been touted as one of the strongest chances heading into the series, which consisted of heats on Saturday (NZT) and a final on Sunday.

Divisions were held for each sex, and for two and three-year-olds, and the card is complemented with features for older horses over both days.

Queenstown drew the second row on day one, but placed third in her heat with a solid performance which saw her progress to the final the next day.

After drawing six, and the outside of the front row, Queenstown burned off the gate to try and find the front, but opted to settle third in the running on the fence for Scottish trainer-driver Gordon Gilvear.

 Pacemaker Oklahoma Smokeshow ensured a hot tempo throughout, opening up the field to be strung out over a big distance for the duration of the mile.

As runners from the back started to make their move on the leading trio over the final 600m, Queenstown was extricated off the fence to the parked position upon entering the final turn.

The daughter of Lazarus came at the leader hard, going head to head with Oklahoma Smokeshow but she still had a live danger sitting behind her with cover in Catchmyhalo Hanover.

As they balanced for the run home however, Queenstown showed huge heart and tenacity to level out and sprint hard, reeling in the pacemaker and pulling away from the field allowing enough time for Gordon to salute the large crown on course as they crossed the line.

Photo Credit: Deltamike Images

It may have been the third win in a Vincent Delaney Memorial Final for Gordon, but the thrill of winning a ‘VDM’ never dies.

“It felt unreal, it’s such a buzz when you cross the line in a big race,” said Gordon.

 “There’s nothing quite like it, all that hard work paying off, it’s just magic.”

 “This is the race we all want to win, working with young horses, so I’m just delighted to be able to win it with her.”

Entering the series, there was plenty going against Queenstown, especially given the long five-hour float trip down from Scotland where she is trained, and staying at the track overnight for the first time.

But she showed maturity and resilience over the weekend that impressed Gordon.

“She handled racing two days in a row extremely well, better than I could have hoped really.”

 “We ask so much of these young horses at such a young age and the fact she was able to handle that, and staying away from home for the first time, and the travel, just shows what a special filly she is.”

 “She had to improve off the first day to be a winning chance in the final, and thankfully she did. The draw and the way the race unfolded worked out perfect for us.”

The Gilvear family are a tight unit, and all get involved in the sport and a huge entourage was there in the winner’s circle to welcome them.

Photo Credit: Deltamike Images

While Gordons son, nieces and nephews all lend a hand, with the extended family travelling to race meetings to support the team.

It’s been an emotional year for the Gilvears, so the win was a great thrill and a chance to reflect.

 “I’m so happy for all the family,” Gordon said.

 “It’s been such a tough year for us, we lost my Dad, my Grandmother and my Mother-in-law earlier this year. So that moment jogging the horse back to the winners circle and seeing everyone so happy was very special.”

“I love winning a race like this and seeing how happy it makes everyone involved. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Queenstown was named by Gordon, who had had success with horses they had named after places in the past, the name being a nod to Lazarus and his Kiwi origin.

However it was a stroke of luck that they were able to obtain the filly in the first place.

 “I have to give credit to my Uncle Steven,” Gordon explained.

 “He’s the one that went over and purchased her, that’s his side of things. I just do the training and daily care of the horses, but it really is a family effort overall.”

Steven Gilvear travels to the United States for the Harrisburg Sales, and was successful at auction purchasing Queenstown’s dam, Zane Hanover, in foal to Lazarus before shipping her back to Scotland to foal.

“I try and go over in November most years,” explained Steven.

 “Sometimes we buy a yearling, other times we’ll try and get a broodmare. The year we got Zane Hanover I had picked a few out that I liked.”

“I look at their times, breeding and horses you think will be a good match for our racing. And Lazarus was such a tough horse, and it just happened that that day the mare suited me and the cross with Lazarus was great as it meant that the foal would be versatile, and suit any distance of racing.”

Steven also liked the fact that Zane Hanover was by Somebeachsomewhere, which has proven to be a powerful cross for Lazarus at stud.

“You only have three or four minutes while they are in the ring to make a decision, I was just lucky that day we liked her and we got her.”

“The win was hugely emotional for us all, it’s a real team effort by the family and we have had a tough year. She’s just a lovely filly, she showed her true grit this weekend.”

The win takes Queenstown’s career record now to four starts for three wins (two Group Ones, The Vincent Delaney Memorial and Blossom Kelly, one Group Two) and a third placing.

 She will now head back to Scotland for a well earned week off, before returning next month for the Futurity.

 After that she will spell and prepare for potential further feature racing as a three-year-old.

Lazarus was also represented by Martinez The Knife in the two-year-old colts and geldings final, he finished an honest third in the male juvenile feature.  

Lazarus stands in New Zealand this season for $5,000 plus GST, mares served on farm will have the working fee and vet fee included in the service fee.

He will serve a limited book and with strong early booking numbers breeders are encouraged to act fast to secure their mare to Lazarus this season.