Zed Em - The Trans Tasman Star
Photo: Race Images NZ
Few horses have captured the imagination of Australasian jumps racing fans quite like Zed Em, a true warrior of the winter game. Revered on both sides of the Tasman, Zed Em became one of Australasia’s most accomplished jumpers, collecting multiple feature victories and etching his name among the greats of the modern era. Initially trained by the legendary Kevin ‘Dummy’ Myers in Whanganui, he was victorious in his hurdling debut in 2016 and quickly followed that with another two wins over the hurdles.
It was then he headed over the ditch to join the Paddy Payne stable and his career would truly take off. Zed Em first announced himself on the Australian stage with victory in the prestigious Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool in 2017, before adding the iconic Von Doussa Steeplechase at Oakbank. Those successes launched what would become one of the most decorated jumps careers of the modern era. He later defended the Von Doussa, becoming a dual winner of one of South Australia's premier jumping contests, and twice claimed the historic Great Eastern Steeplechase at Oakbank, a race regarded as one of the crown jewels of Australian jumps racing. His crowning achievement came in the 2019 Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool. Run over a grueling 5,500 meters and 33 fences, the Grand Annual is Australia's longest race and widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance and jumping prowess. Carrying topweight of 70 kilograms, Zed Em produced a performance for the ages, defeating his great rival Gold Medals and recording the heaviest winning impost in the race since 1950.
The victory elevated him into the pantheon of modern Australian jumpers and showcased the toughness that became his trademark. Throughout his career, Zed Em amassed victories in many of Australia's most prestigious steeplechases, including the Thackeray Steeplechase at Warrnambool, while repeatedly competing at the highest level against the country's best jumpers. His rivalry with Gold Medals became one of the defining stories of Australian jumps racing, with the pair engaging in a series of epic battles that captivated racing fans and helped sustain the sport through one of its most challenging periods.
Producing 17 wins and 13 placings over his 60-start career, things would come to an abrupt end due to injury - however his owners and breeders ensured every measure was taken to rehabilitate Zed Em so he could make a safe return to New Zealand and live out his retirement on the same farm he was born and bred.
Now with the very important job of babysitting the young horses on the farm, ‘Bobby’ is more than just a horse, he is a part of the family.
Volkswagin - The Grand Campaigner
Photo: Race Images NZ
As tough as they come, Volkswagin earned a reputation as a genuine and courageous jumper during his racing career under the guidance of renowned trainer John Wheeler. Already a winner of the Ken & Roger Browne Memorial Steeplechase and numerous placings, Volkswagin arrived at the 2012 Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase as a proven performer over the bigger fences. Ridden by Richard Eynon, he produced the sort of gritty, determined performance that made him such a memorable horse to follow.
After jumping the final fence, Volkswagin looked to have the race within his grasp, digging deep as he charged towards the line. However, in a thrilling finish, Shelley Houston and Penstar flew down the inside, setting up one of the most exciting conclusions to the race’s history. The pair hit the line together, with the judge unable to split them - resulting in an incredible dead-heat in the 2012 Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase.
Retiring with 41 starts over the steeplechase fences for five victories and thirteen placings, Volkswagin remained in the care of the Wheeler family and is deservingly enjoying a fulfilling second career. He spent many happy years out on the hunt field, where his athleticism, bravery and enthusiasm continued to shine.
Away from hunting, Volkswagin also found success in the show ring with John Wheeler's daughter, Kristal. His expressive movement, balanced paces and striking presence made him a standout in the saddle hunter classes, where the pair enjoyed considerable success together.
Renowned throughout his life for his outstanding temperament and willing nature, Volkswagin proved just as dependable off the racetrack as he had been on it. He also took on the important role of Clerk Horse, helping escort runners and keeping order on racedays, ensuring he remained a familiar and much-loved figure within the racing community long after his racing days had ended.
From courageous steeplechaser to trusted hunter, successful show horse and dependable Clerk Horse, Volkswagin's versatility and kind-hearted nature made him a true all-rounder and a cherished member of the Wheeler family.
Kipkeino - The Dream Maker
Photo: Race Images NZ
With the help of renowned jumps trainer Paul Nelson, Lucy de Lautour purchased Kipkeino from a mixed-bloodstock sale in Christchurch as a two-year-old colt. Initially trained by Paul, when Lucy moved to Waipakurau she began training in her own right and Kipkeino quickly became the flag bearer for stable – and even provided her with her very first training success!
Kipkeino won six races on the flat, including a Premiere race before initiating a career as a jumper. His career highlight would come in the Te Whangai Romney’s Hawke’s Bay Hurdle of 2017, rising to the challenge against much more experienced horses and once again providing Lucy with a very sentimental win as her first major jumps success.
A consistent performer over the jumps, he would go on to place in the Great Northern Hurdle and Wellington Steeplechase before retiring as a 10-race winner. Remaining in the care of Lucy, Kipkeino has seamlessly transitioned into life beyond the racetrack where he continues to thrive out on the hunt field.
Suliman - The Veteran
Photo: Race Images NZ
When veteran hurdler Suliman dug deep to prevail in a thrilling four-horse finish in the 2025 Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton Park, he reminded everyone of the courage and determination that has made him a legend!
The popular gelding enjoyed a successful career over both hurdles and on the flat, with victories in the Wellington Hurdle, Awapuni Hurdles, and Taumarunui Gold Cup already to his name. His Grand National triumph was made all the more remarkable after overcoming significant adversity, having spent a year on the sidelines due to a medical incident. The care and determination shown by his trainers Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal saw Suliman make a triumphant return to the track, and sign out on a prestigious winning note!
Raced by the passionate 60-strong I See Red Syndicate, Suliman has only recently retired but has taken to life after racing like a duck to water. He now calls the hunt field home alongside fellow Living Legend Kipkeino, under the care of Lucy de Lautour, who was also part of his devoted ownership syndicate.
The Cossack - A Jumping Phenomenon
Photo: Race Images NZ
When it comes to modern-day racing heroes, few horses have dominated the New Zealand's jumps scene quite like The Cossack. A true champion of the sport, he amassed 19 career victories, with an incredible 11 of those coming at Prestige level - a remarkable testament to his stamina, toughness and heart
His outstanding record includes dual victories in both the Great Northern Hurdle and Waikato Steeplechase, alongside wins in the Grand National Hurdle, Wellington Steeplechase, Wellington Hurdle, Hawke's Bay Hurdle, Pakuranga Hunt Steeplechase, K S Browne Hurdle and Waikato Hurdle. His ability to perform year after year in the country's biggest jumping races firmly cements his place among New Zealand's all-time jumping greats.
Joining the Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal stable in 2020 after showing plenty of promise both on the flat and over the hurdles with former trainer John Bary, it didn't take long for The Cossack to take the jumping world by storm. Affectionately known as ‘Crafty’, he quickly established himself as the benchmark of New Zealand jumps racing, building formidable partnerships with both Aaron Kuru and Shaun Phelan, who consistently brought out the very best in the talented gelding.
His first Prestige victory came in the 2021 Great Northern Hurdle at Ellerslie, before taking his career to another level the following season. In 2022, The Cossack won all three of his hurdle appearances at Prestige level, claiming the Waikato Hurdle, Wellington Hurdle and Grand National Hurdle before successfully defending his Great Northern Hurdle crown.
His flawless domestic campaign earned him a shot on Australian soil. Losing no admirers, he finished a gallant fifth in the Grand National Hurdle before tackling the Grand National Steeplechase, his first attempt at the bigger fences. Carrying the topweight of 70 kilograms, he produced a courageous performance to be beaten by just half a head, battling right down to the wire proving he could match it with the very best across the Tasman.
Transitioning to the bigger fences in 2023, The Cossack continued to add to his remarkable résumé, capturing the Waikato Steeplechase, Pakuranga Hunt Cup and Wellington Steeplechase. It was after those victories that he suffered a suspensory ligament injury, bringing his season to a premature end and casting serious doubt over whether he would ever race again. Through the patience and dedication of Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal, however, he made an extraordinary return to the racetrack the following season. While another victory proved elusive, his comeback was a testament to the courage and determination that had defined his entire career.
A dual New Zealand Champion Jumper in the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons, The Cossack retired with nearly $700,000 in prizemoney from an eight-season career and recorded the highest number of wins by a New Zealand jumper since 1998. When the curtain came down on his glittering career, ‘Crafty’ remained in the care of co-trainer Corrina McDougal, where she even partnered with the talented jumper to the showjumping ring after 25 years!