Group 2 Glory for Blue-Blooded Lord Arthur

20 April 2019

Lord Arthur (NZ) is a half brother to dual Horse of the Year Bonneval (NZ). Photo: Trish Dunell
Lord Arthur (NZ) is a half brother to dual Horse of the Year Bonneval (NZ). Photo: Trish Dunell

The beautifully bred Lord Arthur (Camelot) took his career to a new level with a spectacular performance in Saturday’s $100,000 Group 2 Valachi Downs Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie.

Passed in with a $110,000 reserve at Karaka’s 2017 Premier Sale, Lord Arthur is a half-brother to Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi), who was bought for $150,000 at the 2015 Premier Sale and won the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Australian Oaks (2400m) and Underwood Stakes (1800m). She earned more than $1.5 million and was a two-time New Zealand Horse of the Year.

Three other-half sisters, Full Of Spirit (Flying Spur), Lady Cumquat (Duke of Marmalade) and Imposing Lass (NZ) (Makfi), were also stakes winners.

Now Lord Arthur has joined them. The gelding had shown huge promise in his seven previous starts, including an effortless maiden win in January and a solid-finishing sixth in the Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) last start. On Saturday he put everything together.

Ridden by Jake Bayliss, Lord Arthur settled well back in the field behind a strong pace. He stormed home out wide in the straight, sailing past Intrigue (NZ) (Showcasing) and scoring by a length and a half.

“That was very impressive,” co-trainer Murray Baker said. “He’s a half to Bonneval but he has been a little bit immature. We’ve spaced his races and given him plenty of time.

“I gave him a stayer’s show today with plenty of pace on. He showed good acceleration.”

Lord Arthur has now had eight starts for two wins, two placings and $73,850 in prize-money for owner-breeder Peter Newsom and co-owners Tony Wales and Mac Whitehouse.

Vendor Westbury Stud
Breeding Camelot – Imposingly
Sale Lot 207, 2017 Premier Sale, Psd (Res $110,000)
Bred by Mr P Newsom