Rubira Doubles Group One Derby Tally

Kiwi raider Rubira (NZ) (Always B Miki) secured his second Derby scalp in Australia last Saturday when taking out the Group One Queensland Derby (2680m) at Albion Park.

The victory continued a stellar Australian preparation for the Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained gelding, who has won three of his four starts across the Tasman, including last month’s Group Three Redcliffe Derby (2280m). 

His only blemish came at Albion Park a fortnight ago when seventh in the Group One The Rising Sun (2138m), and he subsequently started a $5 third elect in the Queensland Derby after drawing the outside of the front row.

Expat Kiwi reinsman Adam Sanderson pushed Rubira forward early from his wide draw, finally finding the lead with two laps to go. Sanderson dictated terms upfront and Rubria was able to reward his tactical nouse when running away to a 3.1m victory over race favourite Hesitate (Sportswriter), who stalked the Kiwi throughout.

Bred by Breckon Farms, Rubira was offered through their 2023 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft at Karaka, and was purchased by Phil and Glenys Kennard for $45,000.

He has proven to be an astute purchase, with the three-year-old boasting an envious record of 10 wins and five placings from 16 starts.

He showed plenty of promise from the outset of his career, winning his first three starts, including the Group One Diamond Creek Farm 2YO Classic (2200m) and Group Two Kindergarten Stakes (1609m).

He subsequently placed in the Group One Sires’ Stakes Final (1980m), Group One New Zealand Welcome Stakes (1980m), and Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO C&G Mobile Pace (1980m).

Rubira is out of three-win Bettor’s Delight mare Delightful Kas, a full-sister to six-time Group One winner Bell Of Montana, with fellow six-time Group One winner and former New Zealand Harness Horse of the Year Carabella also a close relation.

Rubira’s victory highlighted a good night at the Inter Dominion Finals meeting at Albion Park for NZB Standardbred graduates, with Bet N Win (NZ) (What the Hill) finishing runner-up in the Group One Inter Dominion Trotting Championship Grand Final (3157m).

A fellow Breckon Farms product, Bet N Win was purchased out of their 2021 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft at Karaka by co-trainer David White for $32,500.
 

Vendor	Breckon Farms Ltd
Purchaser	PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock Ltd
Owner(s)	Mrs G J Kennard, P I Kennard, Breckon Racing Syndicate, G A Woodham, Mrs K J Woodham, Mrs S A Cole, R Cole
Breeding	Always B Miki - Delightful Kas
Sale	2023 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckland - $45,000