Jumal Stamps His Authority In Northern Derby

Gun three-year-old Jumal (NZ) (Downbytheseaside) bounced back to winning form at Alexandra Park last Friday night when taking out the Group One Woodlands Stud Northern Derby (2700m).

Drawing ideally in one, Jumal burnt off the gates to make use of his draw to take an early lead for New Zealand’s leading reinsman Blair Orange, who was partnering with the son of Downbytheseaside for the first time.

The pair never looked in danger, with Orange able to dictate terms up front, with Jumal kicking clear of his rivals at the top of the straight and he won as he liked, easing down to the line to score by a length over Allamericanplayer (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

“We had to really chance our arm early from the barrier draw,” Orange said. “Andretti came out really hard as well as a couple of others.

“To run that hard early over 2700m and keep ticking along, and kick away on the Telfer runner (Allamericanplayer), who has enjoyed a lovely trip (was great). Full credit to the horse, he is a pretty special animal.”

It was trainer Steven Reid’s second win in the race, with his first victory coming courtesy of Monkey King in 2005.

Bred by Dave Kennedy, Jumal was offered through his Beaudiene Breeding (SBSR) 2024 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Reid for $95,000.

Jumal has now won 10 and placed in two of his 12 starts to date, and has earned more than $477,000 in prizemoney.