# Desert Gold Stakes

The Desert Gold Stakes is a horse race held by the Wellington Racing Club at Trentham Racecourse named in honor of the great filly, Desert Gold. The horses taking part are 3 year-old fillies which race over 1600 metres.

## History

The Desert Gold Stakes was first held in 1947 when there was two Desert Gold Stakes, the first in January won by Indian Dawn and then another in October won by Regal Gem.
The race was previously held in March (2003-2005) and late October (up to 2001) but is now held on Wellington Cup day in January. The Desert Gold Stakes was raced over a 1500m journey from 2000 to 2005. The 1998 event was raced over 1600m at Hastings. It is currently a Group 3 event but in the 1980s it held Group 2 status.
Notable winners include La Crique, La Mer and Princess Coup. Those who could only manage a placing include: Bonneval, Katie Lee and Tycoon Lil.
Savabeel has sired four winners between 2016 and 2023. Champion jockey Grenville Hughes rode four winners between 1953 and 1975.

## Race results

The following are the winners and place-getters of the Desert Gold Stakes since 1947.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer(s) | Owner(s) | Sire | Dam | Time | Second | Third |
| 2025 | Leica Lucy 56.5 | Craig Grylls | Robbie Patterson | Peter J & Heather J Crofskey | Derryn (Aus) | Dynamite Lucy | 1:35.19 (good) | Connello 56.5 | Renovations 56.5 |
| 2024 | Sudbina 56.5 | Kozzi Asano | Roger James & Robert Wellwood | Frantic Bloodstock Ltd & Haunui Bloodstock Ltd | Almanzor | Destined | 1:36.75 (soft) | Grail Seeker 56.5 | The Entertainer 56.5 |
| 2023 | Mazzolino 56.5 | Sam Weatherley | Stephen Marsh | Waikato Stud Ltd | Savabeel | Posy | 1:39.92 (heavy) | Pennyweka 56.5 | Beyond Violet 56.5 |
| 2022 | La Crique 56.5 | Craig Grylls | Simon & Katrina Alexander | Mrs J K & J T Cassin | Vadamos | Destiny Cove | 1:35.88. (Dead) | Sassy Merlot 56.5 | Love Letter 56.5 |
| 2021 | Force Of Will 56.5 | Craig Grylls | Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott | Go Bloodstock Australia Pty Ltd | Power (GB) | Sade | 1:37.84 | Victorem 56.5 | Passione 56.6 |
| 2020 | Showbeel 56.5 | Opie Bosson | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman, Cambridge | WG Candy & WH Luff | Savabeel | Showileo (Aust) | 1:36.91 | Loire 56.5 | Jennifer Eccles 56.5 |
| 2019 | Secret Allure 56.5 | Leith Innes | Lisa Latta | AJ Rennie, TD Tomlins, P Finlayson, KTJ Dixon, M Passey, DA Masters, LM Latta | Zacinto (GB) | Secret Scene | 1:37.12 | Jakkalbomb 56.5 | Valalie (AUS) 56.5 |
| 2018 | Dijon Bleu 56.5 | Leith Innes | Lisa Latta | KTJ Dixon, P Finlayson, LM Latta, DA Masters, MG Passey, AJ Rennie, TD Tomlins | Burgundy | Pristino | 1:37.88 | Blanco Belle 56.5 | Milseain 56.5 |
| 2017 | Nicoletta 56.5 | Michael Coleman | Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman | JML Bloodstock Ltd (L Petagna, manager) | Savabeel | Celtic Crown (USA) | 1:37.46 | Devise 56.5 | Bonneval 56.5 |
| 2016 | Duchess Kate 56.5 | Matt Cameron | Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards | Whitby Bloodstock Trust | Savabeel | Royal Prize | 1:36.92 | Bella Court 56.5 | Strada Cavallo 56.5 |
| 2015 | Platinum Witness | Darryl Bradley | Lisa Latta | Lincoln Farms Ltd & N J McAlister | California Dane (AUS) | Chartreuse | 1:36.04 | Attention Seeker | Exquisite Jewel |
| 2014 | Moozoon | Mark Sweeney | Stephen McKee, Ardmore | Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum | Perfectly Ready (AUS) | Mizzna | 1:35.76 | Miss Selby | Costa Viva (AUS) |
| 2013 | High Fashion | Hayden Tinsley | Kevin Gray | H M & Mrs P M Forbes | O'Reilly | Pin High | 1:36.34 | Soriano | Lucky Country |
| 2012 | Quintessential | Lisa Allpress | John Sargent | Nearco Stud Ltd (Mgr A E Clark) | Fast ‘N’ Famous | Florette (USA) | 1:37.62 | Capital Diamond | Artistic |
| 2011 | Dating | James McDonald | Graeme & Debbie Rogerson | Waikato Stud 2001 Ltd | O'Reilly | Mandate | 1:37.34 | Angel Del Dinero | L’Armour |
| 2010 | Keep The Peace | Jason Waddell | Shaune Ritchie | P E Bellingham, L R & L R D Dittman | Keeper (AUS) | Peace of Mind | 1:37.73 | Marsh Harbour | Katie Lee |
| 2009 | Glamorous Girl | Andrew Calder | Roger James & Paul Mirabeli | Kingsclere Filly Syndicate 2007 | Thorn Park (AUS) | J’Lo | 1:36.85 | Puttanesca | Awesome Planet (Aus) |
| 2008 | Keepa Cruisin 56 | Leith Innes | Stephen McKee, Ardmore | Karreman Bloodstock Ltd | Keeper (AUS) | Just Cruising (Aus), by Broad Beach | 1:35.8 | Kaatoon 56 | Bella Valentina 56 |
| 2007 | Princess Coup 56 | Opie Bosson | Mark Walker | Bromley Bloodstock Ltd & R A Coupland | Encosta De Lago (AUS) | Stoneyfell Road (AUS) | 1:37.99 | Veloce Bella 56 | Shira 56 |
| 2006 Jan | Out of Align 56 | Scott Seamer | Gary Vile | CD Allison, CV & JA Barnao, DV & Mrs HR Gilliard & TP Heptinstall | Align (AUS) | Limerick Lea | 1:36.48 | Legs 56 | Pulcinella 56 |
| 2005 March | Senorita Dane 56 | Jamie Bullard | Paul Harris, Rangiora | Bend The Arm Syndicate No 3 & The Ratpack Syndicate | Senor Pete (USA) | Snadame | 1:31.14 (1500m) | Sista 56 | Ladykin 56 |
| 2004 March | Pride Of The Class | Mark Barnsley | Michael Moroney & Andrew Scott | Class of 2002 Syndicate | Volksraad | Grosvenor's Pride | 1:31.89 (1500m) | Rapid Kay | Vision |
| 2003 March | Lonestar Lady 56 | Hayden Tinsley | S Mitchell | MA & Mrs PH Brenton-Rule | Deputy Governor (USA) | My Good Omen (AUS) | 1:29.0 (1500m) | Luscious Lady 56 | Fontaine 56 |
| 2002 | not raced | | | | | | | | |
| 2001 | Blackrock College 56 | Hayden Tinsley | John Wheeler | JG & Mrs TA Donovan, JR & Mrs LJ Wheeler | Volksraad(GB) | Marscade | 1:35.71 (1500m) | Elfonze 56 | Kapiston (AUS) 56 |
| 2000 | Singalong 56 | Noel Harris | Stephen Autridge | Miss WL & Lady Hogan & Mrs NK Hunt | Danasinga (AUS) | Echostatic | 1:30.63 (1500m) | La Bella Dama 56 | Mine D’Or 56 |
| 1999 | Thee Old Dragon 56 | Tony Allan | Alan Jones & Brett McDonald, Cambridge | Thee Old Dragon Syndicate | Desert Sun (GB) | Lady Kintyre | 1:36.34 | Party Queen 56 | Jetline 56 |
| 1998 | Pace Invader 56 | David Walsh | A Clark | PR Dickinson, AR & EJ Johnson & CT Wintle | Westminster | Grey Invader | 1:36.09 | Mi Babe 56 | Luvtonoah 56 |
| 1997 | Alavana 55 | Gary Grylls | G K Sanders, Te Awamutu | CL and Mrs RL McKay | Christmas Tree | Morgaine | 1:39.74 | Tycoon Lil (AUS) 55 | Rivatar 55 |
| 1996 | Tartan Belle 55 | Vincent Colgan | Roger James & Lance Noble | Mrs BN, Messrs D & ID & Mrs V Campbell | Kreisler | Argyll Dazzler | 1:37.77 | Gold Cloud 55 | Sawatdee 55 |
| 1995 | Clear Rose 55.5 | Noel Harris | Laurie Laxon | Laurie Laxon, CL Leong, PJ & PM Vela | Deputy Governor | Thosada Rose | 1:39.21 | Miss Tree 56 | Sojourner 56 |
| 1994 | Moonshine 55.5 | Shane Udy | Stephen & Trevor McKee, Takanini | W Heathcote & Trevor McKee | Sound Reason | Sister Moonshine | 1:37.16 | Helen’s Pride 55.5 | Tidal Rhythm 55.5 |
| 1993 October | Facing The Music 55.5 | DP Smith | M B Ingram | M B Ingram | Sackford | Composing | 1:39.35 | Silver Chalice 55.5 | Real Success 55.5 |
| 1992 | Larrikan Lady 55.5 | Lisa D McGregor | A L Good | K Betty, KV Robinson, EJ Pratt & G Rotherham | Icelandic | Zoomer | 1:58.19 (heavy) | Star Of Tudor 55.5 | Slanchyvah 55.5 |
| 1991 | Staring 55.5 | Larry Cassidy | Murray Baker | MM Andersen & MJ Gyde | Fiesta Star | Sweet Violet | 1:42.99 | Normandy River 55.5 | Colours 55.5 |
| 1990 October | Morning Rise 55.5 | Grant Cooksley | Colin Jillings & Richard Yull | Karaka Verandah Racing Ltd & Co | Straight Strike | Rivermist | 1:44.11 | Auburn Blaze 55.5 | Cupri Rosa 55.5 |
| 1989 | Madame Bardot 55.5 | Larry Cassidy | D N Couchman & P S Belsham | DG & GD & Mrs P Smart | Little Brown Jug | Bashful Row | 1:47.22 | Princess Rojuan 56 | Our Hawk 56 |
| 1988 | Olga's Pal 55.5 | Brian Hibberd | Bob & Toby Autridge | HJ Fleming | Straight Strike | Tinawin | 1:39.42 | Imperialaire 55.5 | Kate’s Myth (AUS) 55.5 |
| 1987 October | Impasada 55.5 | Brian Hibberd | Dave and Paul O'Sullivan | Eric Hopson | Imperial Seal | Charsada | 1:38.74 | Serestrina 55.5 | Candide 55.5 |
| 1986 October | Tri Belle 55.5 | MR Campbell | Ray Verner | Estate of J Sarten | Sir Tristram | Stellar Belle | 1:41.83 | Never Winter 55.5 | Radiate 55.5 |
| 1985 | Josette Nicole 55.5 | G Elliott | E W Rayner | Mr & Mrs KIA Taylor | Three Legs | Diatrelic | 1:42.93 | Seadreamer 55.5 | Classic Ace 55.5 |
| 1984 | Avana 55.5 | Noel Harris | R T Cleaver, Cambridge | PJ Holman & AG Kostanich | Avaray | Lyn Hanan | 1:38.14 | Jayell's Pride 55.5 | Princess Dram 55.5 |
| 1983 | Eastern Bay 55.5 | David Walsh | W J Bromby, Cambridge | HL Briggs, J McCartie & Mrs K Whitely | Princely Note | Ashling | 1:45.57 Heavy | Otola Belle 55.5 | Walksfar 55.5 |
| 1982 | Our Flight | M R Campbell | E B Skelton | J W Rusher | Imperial Guard | Jane Flight | 1:40.25 soft | Passakiss 55.5 | Beaufort Lass 55.5 |
| 1981 | Swell Deal 55.5 | M R Campbell | L R Douglas & A L Jones | A L Jones | Crest Of The Wave | Dollar A Deal | 1:46.5 heavy | Julia 55.5 | Blarney Lass 55.5 |
| 1980 | Polar Air | Peter Johnson | R J Curlett | Mr R J & Mrs Curlett | Frontal (USA) | Amerijet | 1:39.0 | Summer Haze 55.5 | Full Of Grace 55.5 |
| 1979 | Gay Sharon 55.5 | Des Harris | R B Dowling & R J Walsh | J L Chiongbian & V B Johnson | Taipan II (USA) | Gay Sovereign | 1:39.75 | Judena 55.5 | Pays Anne 55.5 |
| 1978 | Springtide 55.5 | Robert Vance | Colin Jillings, Takanini | E L Gaylord & H Noble | Karayar | Eskimo Princess | 1:42.5 Soft | Tang 55.5 | Musical Lady 55.5 |
| 1977 | Tudor Quest 55.5 | J W Walker | D Grubb, Feilding | JR Gilbert, NC Salisbury, Dr J Hall & Dr WJ Treadwell | Pass The Bottle | Star Quest | 1:39 Firm | Mun Lee 55.5 | Braless 55.5 |
| 1976 | La Mer | Des Harris | Malcolm Smith, New Plymouth | Est L A Alexander | Copenhagen II | Royal Charger, by Worden | 1:39.75 | Regal Band | Rina |
| 1975 | Mop | Grenville Hughes | | T C Lowry | Taipan II (US) | Rag Doll (NZ) | 1:39 | | |
| 1974 | Persuasion | Brent Thomson | | N B Hunt | My Heart | | 1:47 | | |
| 1973 | Prepak | David Peake | | N HW Amon | Pakistan II | Precarious (NZ) | 1:38.5 | | |
| 1972 | Peg's Pride | Des Harris | | P J Burrows | Alcimedes (GB) | Winnipeg II (NZ) | 1:38.75 | | |
| 1971 | Young Ida | HN Rauhihi | | J H T Duncan | Oncidium (GB) | Young Margaret II (Ire) | 1:45.75 | | |
| 1970 | Brookby Hill | KS Cullen | | R G Chitty | | | 1:44 | | |
| 1969 | Ruelle | Grenville Hughes | | Mrs C C E Thompson | Summertime (GB) | Ruve (NZ) | 1:36.75 | | |
| 1968 | Brazil | BS Dodds | | J D & L D Georgetti | Better Honey (GB) | Moonee Valley (NZ) | 1:41.25 | | |
| 1967 | High Delight | Bill Skelton | | A E & Mrs Preston | | | 1:38 | | |
| 1966 | Star Belle | Bob Skelton | | J Sarten | | | 1:43.25 | | |
| 1965 | Fairfleet | R Fisher | | A G & Mrs Tinkham | | | 1:40 | | |
| 1964 | Trial Offer | KS Cullen | | C W Berry & B Hayter | | | 1:46.25 | | |
| 1963 | Cicada | Grenville Hughes | | L S Otway | | | 1:38.25 | | |
| 1962 | Blyton | JF Grylls | | Sir James & J C Fletcher | | | 1:43.5 | | |
| 1961 | Key | KS Cullen | | T C Lowry | | | 1:37.75 | | |
| 1960 | Challen | Des J Wyatt | | J B Mitchell | | | 1:39.5 | | |
| 1959 | Sigh | Bob Skelton | | J G Alexander | | | 1:43 | | |
| 1958 | Jaina | J T Anderson | | H C Adams & P G Henwood | | | 1:42.25 | | |
| 1957 | Saecelle | N E Eastwood | | Mrs F A Roberts | | | 1:39 | | |
| 1956 | Passive | Bill Broughton | | J A Mitchell | | | 1:38.5 | | |
| 1955 | Gentle Lu | J W Harris | | L W Davis | | | 1:44.75 | | |
| 1954 | Glenlee | C A Bowry | | Mrs D Macpherson | | | 1:39.5 | | |
| 1953 | Sweet Wren | Grenville Hughes | | T M Roberts | | | 1:38.75 | | |
| 1952 | Hello Pam | Norm Holland | | J A Betts | | | 1:40.25 | | |
| 1951 | Princess Loch | Vic Sellars | | K W Honeyfield | | | 1:42.25 | | |
| 1950 | Zenith | W R Hooten | | F Smith | | | 1:39 | | |
| 1949 | Dixie | J A McFarlane | | Mrs D H Blackie | | | 1:48 | | |
| 1948 | Flying Sovereign | C T Wilson | | Mrs G Murray-Aynsley | | | 1:41.25 | | |
| 1947 (October) | Regal Gem | J A McFarlane | | J A Higgs | | | 1:48.5 | | |
| 1947 (January) | Indian Dawn | J A McFarlane | | Mrs N H Barlow | | | 1:38.5 | | |