Racing: Reputation breaker wins another group one

The Group One Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie';s Boxing Day races in Auckland has been won by Vosne Romanee. Photo / Getty Image

Underrated Manawatu galloper Vosne Romanee became a million dollar earner after winning his second group one race of the season at Ellerslie.

Vosne Romanee took advantage of a good draw and a quality ride from Matt Cameron to race clear of a top field and win the Zabeel Classic (2000m) easily from Red Ruler and Tell A Tale.

It was the second time in three months Vosne Romanee won a group one at long odds.

He won the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes (2000m) at Hastings at odds of $55.40 in October, and he was at odds of $26.30 for today's $200,000 feature.

He was still sufficiently underrated that jockeys were hardly banging trainer Jeff Lynds' door down to get the ride today despite his regular rider Buddy Lammas being injured.

``I got one call,' Lynds said.

``But that's racing, it happens sometimes.'

Cameron, who had ridden Vosne Romanee some years ago in a trial, was eventually engaged and he used the horse's number two barrier draw to get a good run three back on the fence.

``It was his first time racing right-handed so being on the rail probably helped him,' Cameron said.

``He travelled beautifully and he just stuck his little white nose in the gap and took off.'

It was the second group one victory for Cameron, a former top apprentice who is coming back after a six-month disqualification for falsifying statements in November, 2007.

``I was going pretty hopeless and the rides weren't coming like they were when I was an apprentice,' he said.

``But you've got to be a man when you come out of your time and I think I've got the hang of it now.'

The victory took Vosne Romanee's earnings to $1.08m, a great return for Martinborough winery owners Ian and Alana Smart.

``We're really thrilled. It's great for a family from Wairarapa to come up to the big smoke and take on the big boys.'

Lynds said he would seek further group one glory in the International Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa in February.

Red Ruler had a beautiful trail and looked the winner 300m out but could not withstand Vosne Romanee's finish and was 2-1/4 lengths away at the line.

The big disappointment was the favourite Monaco Consul, who finished third last in the 12-horse field.

Co-trainer Paul Moroney said the horse appeared to feel the very firm ground and was ``on one rein throughout'.

- NZPA