The Pat Carey-trained Ethiopia has broken his maiden status in outstanding fashion by winning the Group One $1.5 million Australian Derby at just his fourth start.
The son of 2002 Victoria Derby winner Helenus didn’t have his first start until February when third in a Sale maiden over 1700m.
Ethiopa breaks his maiden in today's Australian Derby - Photo by Steve Hart
But on Saturday at Randwick he earned his place in the record books when coming from last in the field of 12 to beat Polish Knight and Laser Hawk in the time-honoured 2400m feature.
The gelding, patiently ridden by Rhys McLeod, was coming off a last-start second in the Group Two Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on March 16 and left his Derby rivals with no excuses.
“It feels pretty good,” was the immediate understatement from McLeod.
`”To ride the winner for my old boss Pat, it brings a smile to my face.
“He’s going to go places this bloke.
“You’ve got to remember it’s only his fourth start.
“It’s such a thrill to win it – sensational.”
Carey was equally rapt in Ethiopia’s performance.
“You’re looking at a very raw stayer of the future,” he said of Ethiopia who earned connections $900,000 with the win.
