Tomorrow's Awapuni race meeting marks 12 months since jumps jockey Aaron Kuru and steeplechaser Des De Jeu became the talk of the racing world and the duo will be reunited when they contest the L J Hooker Manawatu Steeplechase (4200m).
The low-key rider became a media sensation after staging one of the most remarkable comebacks ever witnessed on a racecourse.
Kuru and Des De Jeu fell at the first of 13 jumps to seemingly extinguish his prospects in a maiden steeplechase.
But showing incredible horsemanship, Kuru was able to keep hold of the horse's reins and remount the jumper as he scrambled to his feet. Despite losing more than 10 lengths, the pair went onto win by half a length.
Kuru rode Des De Jeu twice last season and greeted the judge first on both occasions, but he isn't expecting the winning run to continue when the gelding steps out in an open steeplechase for the first time this year.