A brilliant WFA horse, Prince Majestic was lethal, both at home and abroad

Prince Majestic, a highly accomplished thoroughbred racehorse from New Zealand, actively participated in races from 1979 to 1985. He gained prominence as a formidable middle-distance runner, demonstrating quality wins in numerous races held in both New Zealand and Australia. Prince Majestic, foaled in 1977, was a product of the renowned South Island sire, Noble Bijou, and the esteemed mare, Princess Mellay (Mellay). Mrs. H. Anderton meticulously bred this exceptional equine, while Mr. & Mrs. R. Ross assumed ownership. He was trained by champion Takanini trainer Ray Verner, who raided Australian riches on several occasions. White Robe Lodge sire, Mellay (by Derby winner Never Say Die), produced top-class mares. Princess Mellay was the first stakes winner in many generations of her line and the first descending from White Robe. On the track Princess Mellay had an excellent three-year-old season and was rated the second top filly of her year, taking out the Gr.2 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Riccarton where, as a four and five-year-old she added back-to-back (3200m) New Zealand Cups in 1970 and 1971, the first horse to win successive New Zealand Cups since the race was run in 1883 and the first mare to win the race in foal. She was named New Zealand Broodmare of the Year in 1982 through the deeds of her magnificent weight-for-age performer Prince Majestic who was by yet another beautifully bred White Robe Lodge stallion.

Beginning in his career prior to Christmas of 1979, Prince Majestic ran 3rd as a two-year-old at Pukekohe with Grant Cooksley aboard. The colt concluded his 2-year-old season with two victories at Trentham over 1200 metres and a second-place finish at Ruakaka before returning in August 1980 as a 3-year-old. Prince Majestic, with David Peake as his frequent jockey, achieved a third-place finish at Tauranga, marking the beginning of a successful partnership. Nigel Tiley would also find time in the saddle during the geldings progression. His first major win as a 3yo saw the colt win the Gr 1 Wanganui Guineas (1600m) beating Kaimanawa by a length. The horse demonstrated his prowess in middle-distance races by securing a victory in a 3-year-old mile event at Hastings. Notably, the horse defeated Whittaker, who would become a frequent rival in age-group competitions.

A forthcoming trip to Australia beckoned and the high-quality stallion won the Gr.1 Spring Championship Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in October, narrowly defeating Cosmic Planet and showcasing his exceptional development and genuine, raw talent. This win proved just how tough David Peake was and just how much every jockey in the race wanted him beaten. For 2 and a quarter minutes, Peakes life was misery. He and Prince Majestic were jammed against the running rail and the interference the combination suffered on the home turn was astonishing. Fortunately, Prince Majestic was a huge unit, and with a bit of his own barging, Peake was able to extract him from a hole and the great horse charged down the outside to win. Prince Majestic returned to the winner's enclosure with white paint from the running rail down his entire right side. Peake claimed it was the roughest race he ever rode in and money probably changed hands if you watch the video. On his return, there were several average performances until April 1981, when he crossed the Tasman once more to secure third place in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on a challenging, heavy track. The primary objective was a total failure, resulting in a 13th place finish in the AJC Derby (2400m) won by Our Paddy Boy. Consequently, the horse was returned to its home base for the winter. His winning ways returned in June when taking out a 1400m WFA event at Tauranga followed by a Class one 2nd placing to Kahu at Ellerslie. Another 2nd to the brilliant Axeman soon followed until he went on a run of three consecutive weight-for-age wins, firstly over 2200m in Auckland, the mile at Taranaki and Wellington in October. Two additional close-up finishes would ensue before Prince Majestic was sent for a well-deserved break.

1983 would prove to be a truly wonderful year for Prince Majestic. After a couple of runs at home, including a win over 2200m at Te Aroha, Prince Majestic returned to Sydney to take on some major black type events. The now four-year-old stallion demonstrated his exceptional ability during his prime, securing notable victories in prestigious Group 1 races. In April, he triumphed in the Tancred Stakes, a mile-and-a-half contest held at Rosehill. Subsequently, he achieved another remarkable feat by winning the esteemed Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, a 2000 metre race conducted at Randwick. On both occasions, he surpassed the formidable Allez Bijou, showcasing his dominance in the Sydney racing arena. Returning back to NZ a highly respected victor, Prince Majestic would win at WFA in May at Trentham, then run placings at the Bay of Plenty and Avondale, before crossing the ditch again in September of 1982. Unfortunately Group wins were not on the cards, as Prince Majestic ran 3rd in both the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield and the Turnbull Stakes at Randwick, which were still commendable results. The horse would be given an extended period of rest and would not return to racing until April of 1983. After placing fifth in two events, he then won a 2000m WFA race at Trentham, prompting another ambitious mission to Australia.

Prince Majestic arrived in Queensland on this occasion with the heavy conditions much to his liking. The gelding initially secured a triumph in the O'Shea Stakes (2232m) held at Eagle Farm in June. Shortly thereafter, he achieved another victory in the Tatt's Cup (2270m) on a challenging heavy track three weeks later. His finished his fouree with a 5th at Doomben in the Fourex Cup before returning home. After a short let up, Prince Majestic won a WFA event at Te Rapa coming back fresh to the distance of 1400m, then in September winning a C1 at Tauranga (2100m). He would not be seen again until June of 1985 due to injury, but did resume with a C1 win at Ellerslie over 1400m and a 3rd in a Gr.3 event at Tauranga. Prince Majestic's brilliant career culminated in his final run as a six-year-old, having achieved notable success both domestically and in Sydney and Brisbane. During the early 1980s, he achieved remarkable success, winning an impressive 19 out of 45 races. His consistent dominance made him a prominent and popular figure in the local racing scene.

Race record - 45: 19-5-9

Earnings - $521,057

Spring Championship Stakes

Tancred Stakes

Queen Elizabeth Stakes