Outsider Wigmore stuns with South Australian Derby victory
A $45 outsider stole the show at Morphettville on Saturday, with New Zealand import Wigmore charging home to claim the South Australian Derby in a narrow but impressive finish.
Prepared by Phillip Stokes, the lightly raced gelding proved too strong late over 2500 metres, getting the better of VRC Oaks winner Strictly Business in a performance that underlined his staying credentials.
The win capped a rapid rise for Wigmore, who was having just his eighth career start and had only joined the Stokes stable in recent months after beginning his career in New Zealand racing.
“We just brought him along slowly. He’s very clean winded and a big thanks to OTI,” Stokes said.
“They’re massive supporters. We’ve won this race twice with them and we’ve had a few Group 1 winners now.
“We’re getting up there, Group 1 winners wise. They’re very important. It’s good for everyone and there’s a lot of good owners in this.
“It’s a great result.”
Jockey Teo Nugent recorded his second career Group 1 onboard Wigmore, with his first a dead heat on Portland Sky in the Oakleigh Plate in 2021, with the popular hoop emotional after the race.
“it was a good few years between drinks and very fitting to get another one for Phil Stokes,” he said.
“I got a bit teary talking to Brunce McAvaney, I sort of promised Phil when I was about 12 years old I would stay on and be his apprentice.
“But I went over to Ireland and learnt how to ride horses… then for whatever reason it didn’t work out and I rode for Ciaran Maher instead and its great to team up with Phil and get an apprenticeship.
“He was usper during my apprenticeship and always chucked me on in town.
“He trained this horse to the minute…. he’s at typical Kiwi mud runner. He got through the mud no problem.”
Wigmore had caught the eye earlier this year when finishing fourth in the New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie, a run that prompted OTI Racing to secure the gelding. Since arriving in Australia, his preparation has been carefully managed, with a midfield effort in the Chairman’s Stakes on Anzac Day serving as his lead-in to the Group 1 feature.
His journey to the top level has been remarkable, having originally been purchased for just $1,700 as a weanling before being resold for $25,000 and eventually making his way into elite company.
The victory continues a strong run for Stokes in the race and shapes as a potential springboard towards bigger staying targets later in the year.
