Racing: Jewels double for patient Butcher

No. 12 Sky Major from Clevedon. File photo / Jason Dorday

The two greatest influences in Zac Butcher's career helped guide him to a historic Jewels double on Saturday.

The young horseman matched last season when Sky Major became the first three times Jewels winner, while earlier producing the drive of the day behind Lancewood Lizzie in the 4-year-old Diamond.

The latter had the influence of Butcher's father, champion driver David, written all over it as he handed the lead away to arch rival Venus Serena midway through the mile before slingshotting her in the straight, waiting nearly 200m into the lane before pulling off her back.

"One of the first things Dad taught me about driving was patience," said Zac.

"I didn't see any point in trying to outstay a stayer so I decided to beat her with speed.

"Even then, when I look at the replay, I think I should have waited longer in the straight but she was bolting."

Lancewood Lizzie raced how she looked on Saturday, testament to the training genius of Butcher's boss Barry Purdon.

He managed to rejuvenate the fine-framed mare after she dipped below her best a few months ago.

And Purdon showed the same magic touch to get Sky Major back to his best after his Jewels defence was almost ruined by a lung infection that forced him out of the Auckland Cup three months ago.

Sky Major only snuck into the Jewels with his powerful Messenger win in late April but was Purdon-perfect on Saturday, so much so that Butcher was confident enough to move mid-race to sit parked on him before unleashing a 24.7 second-last 400m to claim his unique spot in Jewels folklore.

It was the fastest official last 400m ever paced in New Zealand.

And while the Ashburton straight is downhill, and he had a howling wind behind, Sky Major's sectional meant he would have kept up with plenty of gallopers racing around the country this winter.

"Barry had them both spot-on but I get used to that from him," said Butcher.

"They both felt enormous and that is what you get with Barry, the confidence to drive them like they are the best horses in the race.

"He really is a genius."

Sky Major now has the pacing world at his hooves, with anything from the New Zealand Cup to the Miracle Mile looking within his scope.

He continues a renaissance for Purdon, who post-Holmes D G put together syndicates and went to the yearling sales to buy and buy well, snaring a succession of group race winners.

With $745,189 already next to his name and looking one of the more natural New Zealand pacers for the rich Australian circuit, Sky Major is well on the way to becoming our next pacing millionaire and could easily double that barrier with the possibility of a stud career an added bonus.