Duke Of Plumpton’s rapid rise continues at Te Aroha

Exciting jumper Duke Of Plumpton (NZ) (Bachelor Duke) maintained his unbeaten record over the bigger fences with an outstanding display in the Te Aroha Veterinary Services Te Aroha Cup (3500m) on Sunday. 

Prepared by Caley Myers, Duke Of Plumpton put more than 31 lengths on his maiden steeplechase rivals at Woodville a fortnight ago and was expected to repeat the dose at Te Aroha, closing a $1.80 favourite over Smug ($4.90).  

The open chasers streamed towards the first fence before the race took a dramatic turn, with Uncle Charlie misjudging the jump and falling, taking out Justice in his trail. One of the riderless horses was amongst the field for a distance, but Shaun Fannin managed to keep out of harm’s way in the lead aboard Smug while the rest of the field jumped safely in behind.  

The three fences along the back straight had to be avoided in the second lap after the fall, meaning a long stretch brought Duke Of Plumpton right into contention with his pace on the flat.  

Hamish McNeill was sitting comfortably aboard the favourite as they resumed jumping under the palm trees, and while Invisible Spirit was chasing valiantly, Duke Of Plumpton took the last two fences at a canter and cruised away, winning eased down by nearly 9 lengths.  

McNeill was having his first ride aboard the gelding and couldn’t have been more impressed.  

“I was very lucky to pick up the ride and it was unfortunate for Kylan (Wiles) to have been suspended, but it’s the way racing goes at times, you have to make the most of the opportunities when they come,” McNeill said.  

“When I saw what happened to the inside of me, I was very glad to be drawn out wide and out of the way, and from there, I was happy to let everything play out in front of me and keep an eye on the riderless horses.  

“As soon as those three fences came out of play, it played right into my hands, this horse is very accomplished in all three codes, so I knew I was probably the horse to beat particularly at the weight.  

“His jumping was foot-perfect which is a credit to all the work that has been done behind the scenes, he stepped up against some nice horses and put them to bed very easily.”  

McNeill indicated Duke Of Plumpton was unlikely to be seen in Christchurch over the next fortnight for the Grand National meeting, but there are options aplenty after winning at the two different courses.  

“I don’t think he’ll be heading south, but he’s performed very well at both Woodville and Te Aroha which leaves options open for Caley going forward,” he said.  

“I’ve ridden some very nice horses in New Zealand, and without getting too carried away early in his steeplechasing career, he’s given me as nice a feel as any. He does everything you want a good chaser to do, he settles, jumps very cleanly and does what you ask of him.  

“I’d like to think he has a very bright future.”  

The versatile 10-year-old has won 11 races and more than $310,000 in stakes, having also won in the care of Myers’ father Kevin and Victorian-based trainer Patrick Payne, who both share in the ownership. 

After winning the open hurdle earlier on the card aboard Roc Up Ralph, McNeill’s win on Duke Of Plumpton also sealed the Jumps Jockeys Premiership for 2025/26.  

It came right down to the wire, with McNeill taking the title on eight wins, narrowly ahead of Emily Farr on seven and Kylan Wiles with six.  

“I can’t complain, it was a nice way to win a premiership with a double on the last day,” he said.