Madison County wins Gr 1 NZ 2000 Guineas

Madison County has lived up to his favouritism to win the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas for premier trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Ridden by Matt Cameron, Madison County is owned by the China Horse Club whose chairman Teo Ah Khing was on course at Riccarton on Saturday.

Cameron had Madison County in a comfortable position behind a slick speed before unleashing him in the straight.

Madison County dashed clear to win by 2-1/2 lengths from Dawn Patrol with Nate running on for third.

Forsman admitted there had been some minor concerns before the race after heavy rainfall in the two days leading to the Guineas.

“I guess there was a query on the track which was a little bit niggly,” Forsman said.

“I think the horse to beat, Dawn Patrol, had to make his run on the inside which helped us a lot as Matt got a beautiful run just off the fence.

“This was our number one target as we had labelled him a Guineas horse after he won his two-year- old race last season.

“Everything has gone right, thankfully.”

Forsman was also pleased to win for the China Horse Club which has invested heavily in New Zealand racing.

“It’s great for New Zealand racing to have them involved in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry,” he said.

“To get a result like this is hopefully going to produce future investment from them.”