Sword of State Wins G3 King's Plate

Media Release - Saturday March 5

Classy colt Sword Of State displayed all of his fighting qualities when he downed speedy mare Babylon Berlin to win the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie, after the pair went head-to-head over the final 300m of the contest.

Sword Of State defeats Babylon Berlin to win the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) after a titanic home straight struggle Photo Credit: Trish Dunell

Sporting the colours of Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who co-own the son of Snitzel, Sword Of State was handily away for rider Leith Innes as the pair settled in third behind pacemakers Babylon Berlin and Iconic Star.

The two mares went at a breakneck speed with Iconic Star first to drop off as Sword Of State leveled up to challenge Babylon Berlin shortly after straightening for the run home.

The pair went at it hammer and tongs with first one and then the other looking to have the upper hand.

Innes called on all the colt’s reserves in the final 50m to thrust his head in front to take the victory in an electric 1.08.17 for the 1200m journey, one of the quickest times run at the venue since Diamond Lover set the track record of 1.07.73 back in 1987.

Trainer Jamie Richards was wiping the sweat from his brow as he provided his thoughts on the victory.

“Babylon Berlin is a class mare, but our guy was in for the fight,” Richards said.

“I thought Leith gave him a lovely ride and I am very proud of the way he went.

“He showed he is a proper sprinter who is bound for the breeding barn at some stage.”

Sword Of State had resumed with a comfortable win in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie on Karaka Million night after returning home from an indifferent three-start campaign in Sydney during the spring where he came up against some of the leading Australian three-year-olds including the Chris Waller-trained Home Affairs.

Richards was hesitant to confirm whether the colt would head back to Australia for a second campaign but hinted it may still be on the cards at some stage.

Advertisement

“We’ll just have a think about that (a return to Australia) over the next little while as we don’t need to make those sorts of decisions today,” he said.

“Obviously, the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) is over here for him, which would be a lovely race, but we will let Brendan (Lindsay), Dave (Ellis) and the boys have a talk about that and come up with some plans.

“We’ll just enjoy today and worry about the rest tomorrow.”

Innes, who took the ride following the suspension of regular pilot Opie Bosson, revealed he had to dig deep on the colt to get the win.

“He is a really neat horse to ride as he gives you such a good feel,” he said.

“He had to dig deep as the mare had us on toast there for a bit.

“He is a champion little colt and although I was getting there slowly, it all worked out at the end.

“He loves it here in New Zealand and at Ellerslie and he is only three, so he has a lot ahead of him moving forward.”

Purchased by Te Akau’s David Ellis from the Gold Coast yearling sale, Sword Of State is raced by the Te Akau 2020 Four Colts Breeding Syndicate, where Cambridge Stud are the majority shareholders.

Crowned New Zealand Champion two-year-old for the 2020/2021 season, Sword Of State has now won six of his 10 starts including the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and the Gr.3 Waikato Stud Slipper (1200m) last season. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Nz Derby Gr1 2400m

Ellerslie Track: Good(3) Time: 2:27.24
1
Asterix
- 3g Tavistock (NZ) x Mourasana (GB) (Shirocco (GER))
Tnr: L O'Sullivan & A Scott Rdr: J Parkes 56.5
2
1.5
La Crique
- 3f Vadamos (FR) x Destiny Cove (AUS) (Dubai Destination (USA))
Tnr: S & K Alexander Rdr: V A Colgan 54.5
3
2.0
Regal Lion
- 3g Jakkalberry (IRE) x Red Delight (NZ) (Congrats (USA))
Tnr: M Baker & A Forsman Rdr: M Cameron 56.5
4
6.5
Soldier Boy
- 3g Proisir (AUS) x Forty Love (NZ) (Ekraar (USA))
Tnr: G H Sharrock Rdr: K R Hercock 56.5
5
7.0
Pinarello
- 3g Tavistock (NZ) x Zonza (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: R James & R Wellwood Rdr: J K Riddell 56.5
6
7.5
Nest Egg
- 3g Reliable Man (GB) x Run To The Bank (NZ) (Bahhare (USA))
Tnr: R J Bergerson Rdr: A C Goindasamy 56.5
7
8.6
White Noise
- 3g El Roca (AUS) x White Nymph (NZ) (Sir Percy (GB))
Tnr: M Baker & A Forsman Rdr: R T Elliot 56.5
8
8.7
Arjay's Flight
- 3g Highly Recommended (AUS) x Clareville Flight (NZ) (Iffraaj (GB))
Tnr: M H Brosnan Rdr: T D Thornton 56.5
9
10.0
Privileged Son
- 3g Savabeel (AUS) x Port Providence (GB) (Red Ransom (USA))
Tnr: M Baker & A Forsman Rdr: K Asano 56.5
10
10.8
Ess Vee Are
- 3g Shocking (AUS) x Reiveke (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: D R Weatherley Rdr: S R Weatherley 56.5
11
11.1
Yes We Khan
- 3g Mongolian Khan (AUS) x Nothing But A Grin (NZ) (Pentire (GB))
Tnr: B Wallace & G Cooksley Rdr: A J Calder 56.5
12
16.7
Marchand
- 3g Burgundy (NZ) x Lashed (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: L R Noble Rdr: L G Innes 56.5
More Reading...
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Flying Artie 2YO Wins by Four!
Blue Gum Farm have an appealing roster of three sires for this spring and while it’s all in front of Sejardan and Oxley Road, proven favourite Flying Artie remains unbeatable value and the G1 sire produced a four length 2YO winner on Thursday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday June 26
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Friday June 27
Here is the full list of 48 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Cambridge Stud to Sell Entire Draft at Karaka 2026
Leading thoroughbred nursery Cambridge Stud have committed their full support for NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sales Series, with the announcement they will be selling 100% of their yearling stock at Karaka. 
National Online Breeding Stock Sale online now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
$190,000 Per Incanto Colt Heads Vibrant Weanling Sale
The  2025 National Weanling Sale saw its first dual-code weanling session in play at Karaka, with a total aggregate of $2,410,000 outlaid across 84 lots by a strong domestic buying bench plus international support from Australia, Hong Kong and China.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday June 25
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Coles Bows Out After 60 Years
Pukekohe’s Wednesday meeting marked the end of an era for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, as Ross Coles, a treasured figure in the industry, retired after 60 years as Clerk of the Course.