Derby Hero for Golan
3rd November 2007
Unheralded ex-Kiwi Kibbutz (3g Golan - Misskao, by Kaapstad) gave leading trainer David Hayes his first Group One winner of the new season when proving by far and away the best stayer in the Group One VRC AAMI Victoria Derby at Flemington on Saturday.A big rangy individual, Kibbutz towered above most of his rivals and at the end of an arduous 2500 metres he emerged from the pack full of running to down Littorio and the favourite Marching, going on to win by a couple of lengths.
“He’s a lovely horse and David has timed his preparation to perfection,” said winning rider Craig Williams.
A Listed winner in Adelaide two starts ago, Kibbutz put the writing on the wall at his most recent appearance when finishing strongly for second to Marching in the Group Two MVRC AAMI Vase over 2040 metres.
He traveled sweetly in the Derby and while others were pulling and wasting energy, Kibbutz settled into his stride and loped along just waiting to be asked the question.
“It’s a huge thrill!” said a delighted David Hayes.
“You didn’t want to swap him for any other runner at the half mile. He has a great set of lungs and will stay all day, he has such poise in a race.”
Bought privately as a tried horse from New Zealand after finishing third in a Listed race at Ellerslie on debut on April 14, Kibbutz was immediately transferred to the stables of David Hayes and is yet to miss a place for his new owners who include ex-cricketer and sports commentator Simon O’Donnell and business partner Terry Henderson.
Kibbutz has won three races and placed three times earning $989,817 and looms as a possible Melbourne Cup horse for next spring.
Previously trained by Murray Baker, Kibbutz was bred in New Zealand and is the fourth foal of the Kaapstad mare Misskap, who comes from an obscure European family, her dam Forn Vell, a stakes-winner of 15 races in Denmark and Sweden.
He comes from the first crop of champion racehorse Golan, a multiple Group One winning son of Spectrum who stands on the National Hunt roster at Coolmore in Ireland and shuttles to Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand.
Golan commenced stud duties in Ireland and New Zealand in 2003 and has also been represented by the Northern Hemisphere Group Three winner Regime.
