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Jumping Legends Returned to the Track!

Woodville Racecourse came alive on Sunday, 13 July, with an action-packed day of jumps racing - made even more unforgettable by the presence of five legendary guests!

The red carpet was rolled out for retired jumping superstars Chocolate Fish, Kick Back, Kipkeino, Volkswagin, and Zed Em as they returned to the track to be honoured in true style.

Fans had the chance to meet these beloved champions up close - giving them a pat, snapping photos, and watching as they proudly led out the jumps races throughout the day.

It was a spectacular celebration of jumping legends – a day to remember for all who attended!

Jumping Legend

CHOCOLATE FISH

15YO

Breeding: Colombia x Saveur

Nickname: Fish

Trainer: Shane Brown

Owner: Miss A S Ames-Durey

Breeder: N G Amey

Regular Jockey: Shaun Phelan

Major Win: 2018 Great Northern Steeplechase

Life beyond racing: Fishy had a successful career as a show horse with his previous owner. These days, however, he’s living his best life as a spoilt, happy farm hacker, thoroughly enjoying his well-deserved retirement.

Jumping Legend

KICK BACK

16YO

Nickname: Bonnie 

Breeding: Bahhare x Take Three

Trainer: Kevin Myers

Owners: A S & Mrs P J Trotter

Breeders: A S & T A Trotter

Regular Jockey: Shaun Fannin

Major Wins: 2016 Manawatu Steeplechase, 2016 Pakuranga Hunt Cup Steeplechase and 2016 Great Northern Steeplechase

Life beyond racing: Kick Back retired to the Trotter's farm in Marton in 2016, after winning the Pakuranga Hunt Club and Great Northern Steeplechase double. She had certainly earned her retirement! Since then, she has had five foals, with the most notable one to race so far being Kick On. She also has a Proisir filly who is expected to hit the track later this year as a 3YO. In 2024, Kick Back featured on an episode of Country Calendar, captured foaling an El Roca colt at Equus Veterinary Reproduction and Consultancy just outside Palmerston North.

Jumping Legend

KIPKEINO

17YO

Breeding: Sunray x Awesome Annie

Nickname: Mac

Trainer: Lucy de Lautour

Owners: Mrs L C & W B de Lautour

Breeder: Profile Bloodstock Ltd

Regular Jockey: Shaun Phelan

Major Wins: 2017 Hawke's Bay Hurdle

Life beyond racing: Following his retirement, Kipkeino remained with co-owner and trainer Lucy de Lautour where they thrive together out on the hunt field!

Jumping Legend

ZED EM

14YO

Breeding: Zed x Don't Kick My Float

Nickname: Bobby

Trainers: Kevin Myers / Patrick Payne

Owners: D W & L Shannon, M J & R D Southey

Breeders: C & Mrs J J Booth, D W Shannon, M J & R Southey

Regular Jockey: Steven Pateman

Major Wins: 2019 Grand Annual Steeplechase, 2019, 2018 Great Eastern Steeplechase, 2019, 2018, 2017 Von Doussa Steeplechase

Life beyond racing: After returning from a hugely successful racing career in Australia, Zed Em is back on the farm he was bred at. He lives the life of 'riley', babysitting youngsters and having the pick of paddocks. An injury meant he is unable to be ridden but is a very lucky boy, and very much loved. 

Jumping Legend

VOLKSWAGIN

20YO

Breeding: Volksraad x Thelma's Decision

Nickname: Dub

Trainer: John Wheeler

Owners: B P & Mrs D J Hopkins, Mrs D G Neville-White MNZM, J R Wheeler MNZM, Est late A C Montgomery & Est late B G Neville-White

Breeders: A S & J A Bongiorno

Regular Jockey: Richard Eynon

Major Wins: 2012 Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, 2011 Ken & Roger Browne Memorial Steeplechase

Life beyond racing: Dub was a top full wire hunter for Linda Wheeler, with Taranaki Hunt Club and Egmont/Whanganui. In addition to his hunting career, he spent many years serving as a clerk of the course. Linda's daughter, Kristal, had a successful show career with him in the saddle hunter ring, known for his lovely paces and great temperament, Dub has always been a pleasure to ride.