Jimmy was a much loved NZ racehorse that gave his all every single time

Jimmy Choux’s remarkable achievements in the 2011 racing calendar made him a standout story in New Zealand racing. Throughout that year, he clinched four Group 1 titles and came agonizingly close to a fifth, finishing as the runner-up to Pinker Pinker in the prestigious Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m). He won the 136th running of the New Zealand Derby, and in doing so, he became the first horse since Surfers Paradise in 1990 to win both the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the New Zealand Derby.

Owned and bred by Richard and Liz Wood, Jimmy Choux’s success under the guidance of fledgling trainer John Bary and former jumps jockey turned flat rider Jonathan Riddell propelled them into the spotlight. He was nicely bred from Thorn Park (Spinning World) by the mare Ceirzo (Centaine). A Group 2 winner and twice Group 1 placed as a two-year-old, Jimmy Choux's 2010–2011 season was among the most successful by a New Zealand three-year-old in recent history. As well as capturing the country's two biggest three-year-old races, the 2000 Guineas and the Derby, Jimmy Choux easily won the Hawke's Bay Guineas, Great Northern Guineas, Wellington Stakes and Waikato Guineas.

Some cast doubts over the prospects of Jimmy Choux in the Derby because his pedigree suggested that 2400m would be well beyond his capabilities. There was little evidence in his pedigree that Jimmy Choux would be able to run any further than a mile, but he proved his stamina to win the Derby by two lengths. After his NZ Derby win, Jimmy Choux traveled to Australia. His first start there resulted in a Group One victory in the Rosehill Guineas, confirming his status as one of Australasia's best three-year-olds. He started a short-priced favourite in the AJC Australian Derby but finished sixth in his final races as a three-year-old. He was awarded New Zealand Horse of the Year for the 2010/11 season.

Jimmy Choux resumed as a four-year-old in August of 2011 with a second placing in the Challenge Stakes at Hastings. He then won the Windsor Park Plate and the Spring Classic, his fourth and fifth Group One wins, confirming his status as one of the favourites for the Moonee Valley feature. Jimmy Choux started second favourite in the 2011 Cox Plate. He sat just off the pace and gained a clear lead around the final turn, before being run down late by Pinker Pinker to finish second. He then ran fourth as topweight in the Emirates Stakes, before closing his campaign with an admirable sixth placing in the Hong Kong Mile. Jimmy Choux resumed racing in April 2012 in the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie, where he finished a creditable seventh under 61 kg. However, he was well-beaten at his next start in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick, and was subsequently retired from racing.

He was not only a talented racehorse but also a wonderful character. The outpouring of affection from the public was remarkable and Jimmy Choux reciprocated that love by giving his all every time he stepped onto the track. Despite not being a natural talent, Jimmy Choux’s immense heart and intelligence allowed him to achieve feats beyond expectation. He may not have been born with exceptional talent, but his determination set him apart. Jimmy Choux left behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered by Kiwi racing enthusiasts, embodying the spirit of resilience and unwavering commitment. Jimmy Choux was retired to Rich Hill Stud in Matamata, where he stood for a service fee of $10,000. In 2019, Jimmy Choux was sold to Rosalee Park Stud in Serpentine, Western Australia. In January 2024, Jimmy Choux was euthanized after suffering from cancer. He was 16. Jimmy Choux won twelve of his 26 starts and more than $3.6million during his career on the track and at the time of his death he was reported as having produced 141 individual winners from his time at stud.

RACE RECORD - 21:12–4-2

EARNINGS - NZ$2,576,050, A$807,500

G2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (2010)

G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (2010)

G1 New Zealand Derby (2011)

G1 Rosehill Guineas (2011)

G1 Windsor Park Plate (2011)

G1 Hawkes Bay Spring Classic (2011)

G2 Wellington Stakes

G2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes

G3 Waikato Guineas

New Zealand Horse of the Year (2010/11)