Back in 2004 there was a remarkable three year-old gelding called Grand Zulu (Grand Lodge (USA) x Bravo Zulu) , who upstaged his elders to win the Group I STC The BMW (2400m) beating legends Mummify and Makybe Diva and at age 21, he’s still a winner taking out both divisions of Thoroughbred Sport Horse Jumping classes on Sunday at SIEC.
Trained throughout his racing career by Gwenda Markwell, Grand Zulu was a tough and talented stayer that raced 37 times for four wins and eight placings with earnings topping $1.8million.
Bred and raced by Dennis Choy, his career included an interlude of racing in Hong Kong where he contested both the Hong Kong Derby and HK International Mile before returning to race with success again in Australia.
Retired sound from racing in 2008, Grand Zulu has made a very successful transition into being an equestrian horse and with his current partner young William Hodgekiss is enjoying a last flush of success in his twilight years under the coaching of renowned horseman Simon Kale.
He has placed at the Australian Showjumping Championships, been an Interschool Champion and took 13yo William to the Sydney Royal representing Zone 28 Pony Club Association of NSW Inc in the Pony Club rider classes.
At 21 years of age he is still going strong and it looks like Grand Zulu and his talented young rider William still have plenty of adventures ahead of them!
Click here for more information on the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association.
