Racing: Jones shattered by death of leading filly

Top trotting filly Kahdon won more than $160,000 in stakemoney. Photo / Greg Bowker

Champion New Zealand trotting filly Kahdon died in Victoria last night.

The Northern Derby winner - who is likely to be named New Zealand 3-year-old trotter of the year next week - died after failing to overcome a recent illness her connections had earlier been confident she was recovering from.

Kahdon first showed signs of a problem 10 days ago and there were grave fears for her as she struggled in a Victorian veterinary clinic last Monday.

However, Canterbury trainer Mark Jones believed she had battled through those problems and was improving.

Her condition worsened over the weekend though and she died last night.

An autopsy has been ordered to diagnose the exact cause of her death, which has left Jones shattered.

"It is a real shame because she was a lovely filly and had a huge future," said Jones.

"We still don't really know yet exactly what the problem was but we did everything possible to save her."

Jones trained Kahdon for only two starts: a win in the Victoria Oaks and a second in a heat of the Victoria Derby.

She proved a late-season star for former trainer Paul Nairn, winning the Sires' Stakes Championship and Northern Derby, as well as finishing second in the New Zealand Derby and Harness Jewels.

She was bought before the Jewels by big-spending Australian owner Peter Chambers for what the Herald understands was more than $200,000.

With her ability, record and breeding, being a close relation to Lyell Creek, she was worth a fortune as a racehorse and broodmare, especially as she was favourite to win her age group title at the national awards next week.

Kahdon raced 14 times for six wins and more than $160,000 in stakes.

"I feel terrible for Peter and also for Craig Demmler, who would have trained her for the start of next season," said Jones.

Kahdon had earlier been scratched from Sunday's Victoria Derby, which was won by Jingling Silver, whom she has thrashed in the Victoria Oaks.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will launch a two-pronged attack on the Chariots Of Fire in Sydney on Friday night.

The A$200,000 race isn't until the following week but Canterbury pacers Harley Earl and Band On The Run will cross the Tasman to contest the final qualifying race at Menangle.

Harley Earl's trip has been planned for the past month after his third in the Harness Jewels but Band On The Run's trainer Cran Dalgety confirmed his decision over the weekend.

The pair meet some of Australia's best 4-year-olds, including Captain Joy, this Friday.

Band On The Run warmed up for his Australian debut with a strong win at the Addington workouts yesterday, pacing his final 800m in 57.1, the last 400m in 26.6.

He will be driven by Greg Bennett on Friday night, with regular reinsman Dexter Dunn to make the trip to Sydney should Band On The Run qualify for the Chariots.