The horse has been a group one winner in France and has been ridden by international jockeys like Olivier Peslier and Michael Kinane.
His name is San Sebastian and tomorrow he races at the Otago Racing Club's meeting at Wingatui.
But don't look for his name in a flat race.
Instead, San Sebastian
contests the $7000 Radio Pacific Hurdles, which ironically could lead to his contesting the feature flat race at the Great Northern meeting in Auckland next month.
San Sebastian is trained at Riccarton by Kevin Hughes and made his New Zealand debut when unplaced on the flat in the Great Autumn Stakes at Riccarton last month - his first start in more than a year.
San Sebastian has been a hurdle winner in France but Hughes is not predicting instant New Zealand hurdle success.
"It is true he is still adapting to our fences. He spends too much time in the air," Hughes said.
"He has been in better company though. It is a bit short [the distance of 2700m] for him but with Jonathan [Riddell] up he is going to be a big help."
San Sebastian is raced by Michael Watt, who had great success with Eric The Bee from the Hughes stable.
The Grand National at Riccarton in August is the long-term aim for San Sebastian but the Great Autumn suggested his flat racing days may not be over.
- NZPA
