he Canterbury Jockey Club (CJC) and the connections of DOMAIN ACE have reached an arrangement for the gelding to be their nomination in the 2025 NZB Kiwi for the Slot owned by the Canterbury Jockey Club.
When buying a slot in the NZB Kiwi the Board of the CJC did so with a strategy in mind to market and promote participation in the2024 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI NEW ZEALAND TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS® and BARNESWOOD FARM NEW ZEALAND ONE THOUSAND GUINEAS® and provide an added benefit for a three-year-old running in one of those races
CJC Chair Dianne Logie said “The CJC is delighted that the strategy it developed when buying a Slot has come to fruition with DOMAIN ACE, the third placegetter in the NZ 2000 Guineas, representing the Club. I thank the owners for reaching an agreement with us”.
DOMAIN ACE’s trainer Graeme Rogerson along with wife Debbie and past training partners has long been a strong supporter of racing at Riccarton Park, regularly travelling teams from his Tuhikaramea base to race at the NZ Cup Meeting and Grand National Festival. At one time Graeme operated a satellite stable at Riccarton Park under the management of Keith Hawtin and can claim victory in all five CJC signature races. KATIE LEE in 2009 became the first and only filly to win both the NZ 2000 Guineas and NZ 1000 Guineas. TEDDY DOON won the NZ 2000 Guineas in 1978 and TAATLETAIL the NZ 1000 Guines in 2003. SMILING LIKE won the New Zealand Cup whilst CAPE KINAVERAL won a NZ Grand National Steeplechase and JEAN RAPIER an NZ Grand National Hurdles.
Graeme said “My owners and I are thrilled to have secured the CJC slot for the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi with our horse DOMAIN ACE. He has been working a treat since returning home from Christchurch and we are very happy with him. Over the years we have enjoyed an extensive and successful connection with the CJC and with a bit of luck this upcoming race will provide DOMAIN ACE with some impressive black type and be a highlight for myself, the owners and the CJC”.
Running third in the NZ 2000 Guineas has been a launching pad to greater things in the past. The incomparable BONECRUSHER filled that position in his year as did CASTLETOWN, PRINCESS COUP and PROWESS in 2022. It is hoped that this level of success can be replicated at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 8 March 2025.