The ‘King of Speed’ Equiano sired another new Group winner at the weekend with King Louis swooping late to land the Gr.3 Khan Trophy at Ellerslie in New Zealand

It was the second career win for this New Zealand bred three-year-old trained by John Bary, and owned and bred by Chouxmaani Investments Ltd.

Jockey Jason Waddell said:  “”We tried something different today, we rode him cold.  He got a little bit aggressive at the 600m, but we picked the path through and he hit the line like a really good horse today.”

Bary said the win reminded him of stable predecessor and five-time Group One winner Jimmy Choux, who carried the same colours for owners Richard and Liz Wood.

“That was exceptional, it was just like the old days with Jimmy’s colours on,” Bary said. “I’m just stoked for Richard and Liz, they are not here tonight, their son Michael is though.”

Bary was rapt with the win and said the change of tactics played a major part in the win.

“Speaking with Jason (before the race), he needs to take a bow,” Bary said. “We had spoken about the speed. The first option was to do what he did, ride him back and finish strong, and that’s what happened.  It was a great run, he got a check at the 800m and the winner has rolled out on us and he still got up.” 

He is yet another consistent, tough and high-class sprinter for his sire Equiano, the proven option!  Plus King Louis was the second Group winner in two weeks for his sire, with Belvoir Bay winning at Santa Anita recently, and Equiano’s 24th Group/Stakes horse.