The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained Huetor became just the fourth horse in history to win multiple editions of the Group 1 $1 million Doomben Cup (2000m) with his narrow victory in the 2023 edition on Saturday.
The Snowden-trained Huetor (pictured in Sydney) made history in Brisbane on Saturday with a successful Doomben Cup title defence. Photo: Steve Hart.
The now six-year-old is the first imported horse the Snowdens brought down under, and he is now a two-time Doomben Cup champion after fighting off the Annabel Neasham-trained Numerian to salute in the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival feature.
“He’s just continued to build and here we are with a result today,” co-trainer Paul Snowden told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“He’s pretty special to us.”
Huetor won in an upset at 15/1 last year when Zaaki finished third as the beaten favourite.
Zaaki was short-priced again for Neasham in 2023 jumping at $2.15 and leading the way right up until the final furlong.
With a couple of hundred metres to go the eight-year-old marvel was joined by a wall of challengers and eventually dropped out to run a disappointing seventh.
Huetor meanwhile was given a peach of a ride mid-field throughout by jockey Ryan Maloney before charging home down the outside late.
It was a lovely effort from the defending champion who joined Scenic Shot (2009 & 2011); Rough Habit (1991, 1992 & 1993); Earlwood (1959 & 1960) as the only multiple Doomben Cup winners in history.
The Snowdens had confidence in their runner after his eye-catching second to Zaaki when hitting the line well in the Group 2 A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) last start at the Sunshine Coast.
Natural improvement and the good ride by Maloney had him at his best at Doomben in the big one.
“When he was bottled up in between runners around the 700m, 600m mark we knew we had a fair bit still to offer,” Snowden said.
“He’s got a really good 300m finish, and he used himself really well late.”
Numerian ran out of his skin and tried his heart out eventually holding for second.
Chris Waller‘s Queensland Guineas winning Ocean Park gelding Kovalica finished a nice third and looks set for a quick back-up into the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) next weekend.
Huetor and Numerian are likely to meet again in a fortnight for a rematch in the Group 2 $1.2 million The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
Numerian won last year’s The Q22, while Huetor ran unplaced, but Snowden is confident their runner can atone this winter and keep the wins coming on Stradbroke Handicap Day.
“I honestly think he’s only coming good now,” Snowden said.
“He has another run in him.
“This (the Q22) could be right up his alley in another couple of weeks.
“I see no reason why we can’t. So hopefully we’ll be here.”
