That’s Gold a G3 winner for Lucky Vega

That’s Gold Strikes in Bonecrusher Stakes Thriller

That’s Gold delivered a breakthrough Group 3 victory in the Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe on Saturday, announcing himself as one of the rising stars of the Australian three-year-old division and adding a memorable chapter to his young racing career.

A Stylish Stakes Breakthrough

Trained by Chris Wood, That’s Gold had shown promise early in his career with a couple of placings as a juvenile and a strong run in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes. Returning to racing this season, he broke his maiden at Te Aroha before stepping up to stakes company in the Bonecrusher Stakes.

Under jockey Tayla Mitchell, That’s Gold settled midfield before angling wide entering the home straight. Once clear, he let down powerfully to overhaul the leader To Cap It All, securing the win by about half a length in a stylish finish over the 1400-metre trip.

The win was especially satisfying for Wood, who had maintained strong faith in the colt’s ability despite a maiden-breaking delay earlier in his career. Wood revealed he had turned down significant buy-back offers as a juvenile—most notably from the colt’s breeder Yulong Stud—because he believed That’s Gold had genuine stakes potential.

“That’s Gold has matured both physically and mentally,” Wood said after the race. “I’ve always believed in this horse, and today he showed exactly what he’s capable of.”

 

That’s Gold is by the Irish-bred sire Lucky Vega, whose progeny are increasingly making their mark in Australia. The colt was purchased for $57,500 at the 2024 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Chris Wood Racing in partnership with Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman.

He is the first stakes winner out of Longmu, a winning mare by Sebring, and represents Lucky Vega’s growing reputation as a source of quality performers in this region.

With a Group 3 victory now to his name, connections are already looking ahead to bigger targets, potentially featuring in key summer and autumn racing events. Wood mentioned aspirations toward feature races later in the season, including major holiday carnivals that could further test That’s Gold at the highest levels.

 

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