Racing: Paykel perseverance pays with Zarzuela

Monaco Consul is the only Derby runner that has been successful under a similar distance. Photo / Getty Images

If David Paykel wins today's $2.2 million Telecom Derby with Zarzuela he will put behind him some terrible memories.

Like the day Zarzuela's dam Star Satire came close to being put down when she all but severed a hind tendon in the group one Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Te Aroha.

That was the premature end to a career that saw Star Satire break the Otaki 1400m track record winning the group one Auto Auctions Sprint.

Breeding from her didn't end the misfortune. The first filly foal developed a virus that so badly affected her internal organs she had to be put down.

The next foal, by Redoute's Choice, was a strapping colt that attracted so much interest as a yearling that he was expected to bring huge dollars in the auction ring. It wasn't to be. He developed lamanitis, the foot disease that ended Sunline's life, and that was the end of him.

"I decided this breeding game's not that good," said North Shore-based Paykel, a man of the land, but from the family that developed Fisher & Paykel. But he pressed on and Zarzuela, by Zabeel, is the third foal.

"I then got Star Satire in foal to Flying Spur and received an offer from Australia that was way in excess of what I felt she was worth and sold her because I had the filly [Zarzuela] to breed on from."

It's remarkable how sudden success in horse racing can dramatically alter perceptions. "Breeding is a great game - I wish I'd been in it longer," says Paykel on the eve of what could be his greatest moment in thoroughbred racing.

Passion for the horses can be irresistible - ask Gerard Peterson, who made his fortune developing The Warehouse with Stephen Tindall.

Peterson's passions are golf and winning major races, something that has led him to winning two Melbourne Cups and the Victoria Derby three months ago with Monaco Consul.

Racing is richer for the image of Peterson retaining his basic roots by entertaining an entire carriage of the race train back to the city after Monaco Consul's stunning Flemington victory.

The fascinated revellers, who could not believe a Derby-winning owner would ride the train, were constantly watching the high-quality electronic image of the race which had been inserted into the large Derby trophy.

Peterson and co-owner Owen Glenn will be in the Ellerslie grandstand cheering Monaco Consul late this afternoon. And trainer Paul Moroney is tipping they might be cheering loudly afterwards.