Racing: Unique double in NZ Cup

Blood Brotha followed in the footsteps of his Wingatui great-granddam, Princess Mellay, when he won back-to-back New Zealand Cups at Riccarton on Saturday.

Blood Brotha was bred at White Robe Lodge Stud, North Taieri, by brothers Brian and Hec Anderton and their wives, Lorraine and Pat.

Blood Brotha is by White Robe sire Danzighill, from Laura Dee.

Princess Mellay won the New Zealand Cup in 1970 and 1971, the first horse to win successive New Zealand Cups since the race was run in 1883, and the first mare to win the race in foal.

She was trained and bred by Hector Anderton and raced by his wife, Alice. Her sire, Mellay, stood at White Robe.

Danzighill, a 19yr-old son of Danehill, has served only a few mares in recent season.

Blood Brotha was passed in for $14,000 at the 2007 South Island sale of two-year-olds. The reserve was $15,000.

White Robe then recommended him to Wanganui dairy farmers Mark and Raymond Connors,who had success with other buys from White Robe Lodge from the family of Blood Brotha, including feature jumping races winners Our Jonty and Hypnotize.

Laura Dee has a yearling filly by Gallant Guru and has been served by White Robe sire Raise The Flag.

The addition of blinkers was crucial in the success of Blood Brotha on Saturday. He carried 53.5kg to win last year and had 53kg on Saturday.

Lisa Allpress, who was riding her first feature 3200m winner, settled the horse fourth-last on the inner. He was still near last entering the home straight when Allpress, with a superb ride, brought him through the field and he raced clear to win by six and a-half lengths.

Allpress rode Blood Brotha when he finished sixth in the 2010 New Zealand Cup.

The horse will now be set for his second tilt at the Auckland Cup. He finished sixth last year.