International Group One performer Torcedor will represent New Zealand interests in next month’s Gr.2 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) at Meydan.
Trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington, the stayer will go into the feature with fresh legs after runner-up finishes in the Gr.1 Irish St Leger (2800m) and the Gr.2 Long Distance Cup (3000m) at his last two appearances in the spring.
“He was beaten a half-head by Order Of St George last time out so he’s a pretty serious horse,” Te Akau principal David Ellis said.
“I bought him as a yearling at Deauville in France to syndicate and before he was put on our web site some friends bought into him.”
Torcedor’s New Zealand owners include Sir Patrick Hogan, Sir Peter Vela and Laurie Laxon.
“He’s by Fastnet Rock out of a sister to Yeats, probably the greatest stayer I’ve ever seen. He won four Ascot Gold Cups in a row,” Ellis said.
“Torcedor ran fifth in the Gold Cup last year and he’ll probably head there again.”