Katie Lee runs in the $2.2 million Telecom Derby and Matamata jockey Michael Coleman has been sacked from Derby ride Corporal Jones.
Those were two dramatic Ellerslie carnival announcements yesterday.
Corporal Jones has been bought by Hong Kong owners, who have decided to send a Hong Kong-based jockey to NewZealand to ride the horse in the rich classic on March 6.
Yesterday, Australian jockey Zac Purton was granted permission by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to miss the local races to make the trip to Ellerslie.
Coleman is understandably bitterly disappointed at being replaced.
"Yes, it's disappointing because I've done all the groundwork on the horse and I've given him good rides all the way through.
"He looks like one of the great chances in the race - it's difficult to see anything improving enough to beat either him or the filly [Zarzuela] after they ran first and second on Saturday [in the Championship Stakes].
"No good crying over spilt milk."
Coleman is now in the running to partner Imabayboy, another stylish winner at Ellerslie on Saturday.
The will-she, won't-she ended yesterday when Katie Lee was announced a certain runner in the Derby.
As he has all season, owner Sir Patrick Hogan had been keeping a careful eye on Katie Lee after each tough run to ensure too much was not being asked of the Filly Of The Year.
Katie Lee turned in a gritty performance to win the Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic at Te Rapa last start, after which Hogan said he would not decide on a Derby start until the stable had confirmed the filly had come through the race perfectly.
Yesterday, after consultation with trainers Debbie and Graeme Rogerson, Katie Lee was declared a certain runner. Opie Bosson has been confirmed as her rider.
The Auckland Racing Club is opening its course proper to carnival horses on Monday morning. Derby hopes Monaco Consul and Handsome Zulu are definite gallopers.
"I'm assuming John Sargent will also want to bring Passchendaele here," said ARC racing manager Andrew Castles.
"Atapi and Occidentalis will be here along with Fazzle. There'll be lots more to be advised - I'm picking there will be upwards of 25 horses.
"The gallops will kick off at 6.45am. Everyone is welcome and light food will be available."
