Zero a Jericho hero

Written by Bren O'Brien

Count Zero (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) delivered a career highlight for jockey Luke Williams and another significant success for trainer Symon Wilde when causing a boilover to capture the $300,000 Haymes Paint Jericho Cup at Warrnambool.

In the third edition since the revival of the 4600 metre race, which has been established to mark the memory of the Light Horse's heroics through World War 1, it was local trainer Wilde who secured success, with Count Zero proving the superior stayer, comfortably defeating Dambulla (Fastnet Rock) by 4.5l, with race favourite Wil John (Reset) finishing third, another 1l further back.

It was an execution of a near perfect campaign for Wilde, who had not tested Count Zero beyond 2000 metres in his four runs this campaign, preferring to keep him fresh for the staying test.

The son of Zed (NZ) relished the challenge, and with Williams picking his way through the better ground through Brierly Paddock the second time around, was able to make up many lengths to get himself close to the pace set by Jukila (NZ) (Lucas Cranach {Ger}).

The 6-year-old, a winner of four of his 31 starts before Sunday, was presented into the race at the 800-metre mark and stamped himself on the race when putting paid to Wil John quickly. Williams went for home and while Count Zero had little left in the tank at the end, he had the race, and the $150,000 winners' cheque, in his keeping.

For Wilde, who earlier this month had won the G2 Sandown Guineas with Allibor (All Too Hard), it was among the highlights in his training career.

"In this race's short history it has been a bit of an aim of ours to win it. I love the concept. I think it's a fantastic race which has real meaning to it, It’s not just a pop-up race, it's got real depth and meaning and it’s a real honour to win the race," he said.

"It’s right up there. I just love everything about it. Well done to (founder) Bill (Gibbins), I think he's created a fantastic raceday. It will probably be one of the biggest racedays on the country circuit in years to come."

While Count Zero had not been over a staying trip this campaign, Wilde knew he had the stamina to match the rest of the field.

"Kiwi-bred by Zed, he's as tough as nails, I loved his last run, the signs were there that he is settling a lot better than he has in previous years and he was ready for this trip," he said.

"His last two runs, that's what turned us. His first two runs this campaign were pretty ordinary but the last two really gave us some confidence to run in this race.

"He was on his third week back-up. He has been really tough. He's such a good eater and he's the right horse to back up and the rest is history."

Wilde also trained the winner of the Jericho Cup consolation, Only A Mother (Lope De Vega {Ire}).

For Williams, the win was a huge reward for a journeyman career in the saddle which has featured only one stakes win in 1994, in nearly 2000 rides.

"It’s a real thrill. I'm pretty sure that's the biggest race I've won. It's absolutely awesome," the 46-year-old said.

"I suppose I've been riding for a lot of years, maybe 30 and it makes me want to get a bit more dedicated and spent a bit more time and maybe win a proper big one. It’s a great feeling."

Count Zero is the sole winner out of My Duchess (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}), who is a daughter of Listed winner My Governess (NZ) (Deputy Governor {USA}). He was sold by Grangewilliam Stud to John Foote and original trainer Darren Weir for NZ$22,000 at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

His Jericho Cup victory is another feather in the cap of Grangewilliam Stud stallion Zed, who has celebrated three Group 1 wins already this season from his flag-bearing daughter Verry Elleegant (NZ), and whose son Irish Flame (NZ) won the Listed Ballarat Cup last weekend.