Racing: Zabeels galore in the big race

For more than three decades Sir Patrick Hogan's Cambridge Stud in New Zealand has almost single-handedly preserved the reputation of the tough colonial-bred stayer.

Foundation stallion Sir Tristram and his champion sire son Zabeel have had a lasting impact on races such as the Melbourne Cup and AJC Australian Derby.

Zabeel is represented by favourite Zabrasive in today's running of the Derby (2400m) at Randwick as well as Sherpa Tenzing and Landlocked.

Outsider Suyama from Zabeel's Cox Plate-winning son Savabeel's first crop counts Sir Patrick as a part-owner.

"I am very happy there are so many Zabeels in the Derby and obviously Zabrasive will be hard to beat," said Sir Patrick.

"I've got a one-third share in Suyama so I'd like to see him run well."

Sir Patrick also stands Danehill stallion Keeper, a group one-winning sprinter in Australia who has produced New Zealand Oaks winner Keep The Peace, the only filly in today's Derby.

"It's fantastic for Keeper who is a very popular sire, particularly in Hong Kong," he said.

"He is really stepping up."

Cambridge Stud will welcome (Lord) Tavistock to the roster this spring.

He is a son of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Montjeu, who is by world champion sire Sadler's Wells.

Montjeu was an instant success in his four Southern Hemisphere seasons in New Zealand and Sir Patrick said he was looking forward to welcoming Tavistock to his farm.

But his affection for Zabeel is as obvious as it was for Sir Tristram, who he affectionately named Paddy.

Sir Tristram arrived in New Zealand in 1975, singed and also mentally scarred by a stable fire. So unimpressive did he look, some of the planned syndicators immediately dropped out.

Sir Patrick backed his own judgment and scraped the money together to cover the cost.

Early rewards came in 1980 when Sir Tristram's son Sovereign Red won the Victoria Derby followed two years later by Grosvenor.

In 1987, Sir Tristram proved his versatility when his son Marauding won the Golden Slipper.

The same year Grosvenor's son Omnicorp won the Victoria Derby and a dynasty was formed.

- AAP