Krug (NZ) Powers to Emphatic Invercargill Cup Win

Krug (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) made history at Ascot Park on Saturday with his stunning victory in the $100,000 Group One Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup (3200m).

The NZB Standardbred graduate made Southland’s first-ever Group One race one to remember when treating a big crowd to a stunning four and a half length victory.

Krug was purchased by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety’s Kentuckiana Lodge at the 2019 Christchurch National Yearling Sale.

Now a four-time Group One winner, the star pacer was secured for $155,000 from the draft of Smolenski Stables.

Krug showed his absolute brilliance at the elite level courtesy of an outstanding drive from Carter Dalgety.

Horse and driver were simply in the zone in their stunning demolition of a quality field.

“He warmed up as good as I’ve ever driven him at the races and he stepped the mark beautifully,” Dalgety said.

“Today he was just in the zone. It is outstanding – all the owners for putting me on – I am only a young guy and to trust me – it is a big thing.

“Mum and Dad and all the owners – it is just awesome.”

Dalgety admitted he was lost for words after Krug’s brilliant front-running win.

The victory was made more special because of the special bond between the junior driver and the star pacer.

“It is just amazing, it is literally something that is hard to put into words.”

“To do it with this horse, he is my best mate.

“We have been through thick and thin together, I am just over the moon that he could do it like that in front of this awesome crowd.”

A Group One winner at two-years-old, a two-time Group One Derby winner at three-years-old, Krug confirmed his status at the top of New Zealand’s open class ranks with his Group One victory on Saturday as a four-year-old.

Through a brilliant career, Krug has demonstrated the speed and stamina required to be a Group One star.

“We have always had a lot of faith in this horse, every step of the way,” Cran Dalgety said.

“As the say, class is permanent.”

“He has got that speed and power only the very good ones have.”

“We knew we would run good – but to win the race was a hell of a buzz.”

NZB Standardbred graduates With Style (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Wy Fi (NZ) (Love You) also produced wins on Southland’s huge day of harness racing on Saturday.

 

Vendor	Smolenski Stables
Purchaser	Kentuckiana Lodge
Breeding	Bettor's Delight x Champagne Princess
Sale	2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $155,000
Bred by	Est J W Smolenski