Despite being a champion in New Zealand, Kindergarten was unable to demonstrate his true potential across the Tasman

In the realm of thoroughbred racing, Kindergarten stands out as a legendary equine athlete, widely regarded as one of the greatest horses to ever grace the tracks of New Zealand. However, the horse's potential for even greater achievements during the pinnacle of his career was sadly curtailed by persistent unsoundness and the unforeseen circumstances of World War II. Mr. Nev Fitzgerald, a renowned horse breeder and trainer discovered and nurtured Kindergarten's exceptional talent. After achieving three notable victories during his first season as a two-year-old, Kindergarten was strategically relocated to Auckland. Although his three-year-old season commenced with a series of three commendable placings, it was the subsequent remarkable streak of ten consecutive wins that truly showcased his extraordinary turn-of-foot and solidified his status as an exceptional racehorse. Kindergarten was by Kincardine GB (by Gay Crusader) out of the dam Valadore (Valkyrian) who produced 10 foals, 5 as winners, including a half-brother to Kindergarten, Golden Souvenir. This horse was by Lang Bian (FR) and he was the winner of 10 races including the Wellington Cup, New Zealand Cup, Dunedin Cup and Canterbury Cup

Kindergarten (foaled 1937) raced during the early 1940's during the major 2nd World War years. He won many of the premier events in New Zealand including the Wellington Cup and Auckland Cup. He won over £16,000 in stake money, a large amount during the War. Three times he was assessed as top weight in the Melbourne Cup, a race in which he would never partake, sometimes at a greater handicap than the mighty Phar Lap. As a three-year-old, Kindergarten won ten of 13 races, with those ten coming in a row after starting the season with three minor placings. Among his victories were the Great Northern Derby, Wellington Cup and the first of his two victories in the Easter Handicap, in which he carried 9 st 11lb, the highest weight ever carried to victory in the race by a three-year-old. His Auckland Cup victory in 1943 is regarded as his greatest performance. He carried 10st 2lb in a high-quality field and beat them by five lengths in a then track record time of 3 minutes 22 seconds. Overall he raced 35 times for 25 wins and 6 placings and is regarded by many who saw him race as possibly the greatest horse to have ever raced in New Zealand.

The Fitzgeralds had planned a Melbourne Cup campaign for his 4yo season. However, these plans were disrupted when the horse broke down after running in the Warrick Stakes, finishing 3rd to two very good horses in High Caste and Freckles after experiencing significant interference. As a result, Kindergarten was returned to New Zealand. Kindergarten made a successful recovery and won his only two starts in the autumn of 1942, equaling the NZ mile record. Neville was keen to have another go at the Melbourne Cup, but was thwarted by the massive weight the VRC assigned the horse and was reluctant for a long sea voyage while there was war in the Pacific.

He was one of five inaugural inductees into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame, alongside the other four turf immortals Carbine, Gloaming, Phar Lap and Sunline.

RACE RECORD - 35: 25-3-3

EARNINGS - £16,080

Awapuni Gold Cup (1941)

Wellington Cup (1941)

Great Northern Derby (1941)

Easter Handicap (1941, 1942)

Auckland Cup (1943)