Ecuador (NZ) Returns to Form with Lord Mayor’s Cup Win

The Gai Waterhose-trained Ecuador (NZ) (High Chaparral) made a welcome return to top form when he won Saturday’s A$100,000 Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.

The victory was the six-year-old gelding’s first in almost a year, although he had been Group 1 placed last spring when second to Winx in the Epsom Handicap.

On Saturday the high-quality galloper was right back at his best, sent straight to the lead by rider Adam Hyeronimus and dominating the race from the front.

Ecuador charged down the straight and could not be caught, maintaining an advantage of a length and a half at the finish line over fellow Karaka graduate Lady Le Fay (NZ) (Thorn Park).

“I told Adam to get him going and it was a display of front-running at its best,” Waterhouse said. “The horse has a lot of talent but he has done things wrong and stubbed himself in the toe. We have now barred the blinkers and he relaxed much better.”

Bought at the 2011 Premier Sale for $360,000, Ecuador is now the winner of seven races from 26 starts and more than A$630,000 in prize-money.

A son of the Danske mare Bak Da Princess (NZ), Ecuador is a full-brother to the Group 1 winner Pondarosa Miss (NZ).