News

Ethiopa and Zabeelionaire are the homegrown hopefuls in the Cup

5th Nov 2012

Courier Mail - Nathan Exelby - Sunday, 4 November 2012

Any local owners or breeders who think it is impossible to compete in the Cup without shopping overseas need look no further than Perth businessman Trevor Delroy for inspiration.

Delroy is a shining light for Australian breeding, having produced two runners in this year's Melbourne Cup. He bred and owns Ethiopia and also bred South Australian Derby winner Zabeelionaire, who he sold as a yearling (pictured) at the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale to Brad Spicer for $250,000.

"To have two horses you bred in (the Cup), you don't expect that to happen," Delroy said.

Ethiopia could be the first AJC Derby winner since Phar Lap (1930) to win the Cup as a four-year-old, while Zabeelionaire is out to become the first to do the SA Derby-Melbourne Cup double since Subzero (1992).

Delroy prefers to breed staying horses and says there is significantly more money to be won by horses that can get over a trip.

He also bred and raced Cedarburg, who won the BMW and was on target for last year's Cup before his sudden death last September.

Delroy owns Wyadup Valley Farm near Yallingup in the Margaret River region and is excited about having his first Cup runner with Ethiopia.

"Obviously we missed out last year when Cedarburg died but it's nice to be back with a horse that looks to be a good chance," he said.

"I thought he ran a terrific race (in the Cox Plate). He probably went too fast in the middle stages, and his (middle) sectionals were outstanding."