Sir Slick was the iron horse warrior of New Zealand racing with 151 starts to his name

In the annals of New Zealand racing history, it is difficult to find a horse that has demonstrated such exceptional toughness, resilience, and unwavering success as the iron horse, Sir Slick. Indeed, few have exhibited the same level of gallantry and relentless effort. It took Sir Slick 35 starts to win his first Group race and 50 starts to win his first Group one. A NZ$48,000 purchase from Mapperley Stud at the 2003 Select Colts Karaka Yearling Sale by trainer, Graeme Nicholson, Sir Slick was known as the the Iron Horse as he became one of the country's most popular gallopers of his generation due to his success and ability to withstand long racing campaigns. By the sire Volksraad (Green Desert) via the broodmare Miss Opera (Parks Opera) who won 6 races including the Listed Castletown Stakes, as well as winning the Awapuni Gold Cup three times, Sir Slick was also second to MacO'Reilly in 2009 Cup. The gelding won at least one major feature for five years straight, from 2006 to 2010. Sir Slick also handed Group one star Xcellent his only defeat in New Zealand in the Zabeel Classic of 2007. The horse loved to get out in front and lead, denying challengers any chance to run him down or catch him. His name really lived up to the reality, as he was super Sir Slick on his best day and preferred to lead from go to woah.

While not winning outside of New Zealand, he ran third in the 2009 Doomben Cup in Australia and fifth in the Singapore International Cup. His most recognised achievement involves being awarded the title of New Zealand's Champion Middle Distance Racehorse of the year 2006/07. In that season he was also voted as the Most Popular Horse of the season, and he was runner-up in the overall Horse of the Year voting.

Sir Slick made an appearance in a substantial 151 races, competing in nine seasons between the ages of 2 and 10. Of the 151 races, including his overseas starts, he saw the winners circle 22 times and has earned over NZ$2 million in prize money. Sir Slick raced against such brilliant NZ gallopers as, Seachange, Darci Brahma, Veyron, Princess Coup, Alamosa, Weekend Hussler, Apache Cat, Mufhasa and Shez Sinsational. He was retired after finishing last in the 2012 Awapuni Gold Cup. His younger half-brother Puccini won the 2013 Great Northern Guineas, 2014 Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, Avondale Guineas, Waikato Guineas, 2015 Thorndon Mile and the Thompson Handicap. In 2017 Puccini commenced stud duties at Mapperley Stud.

RACE RECORD - 151-22-22-17

EARNINGS - NZ$ 2,042,177

Thorndon Mile (2007, 2009)

Awapuni Gold Cup (2007, 2008, 2010)

New Zealand Stakes (2008)

Zabeel Classic (2007)

New Zealand International Stakes (2007)

Otaki-Maori Weight for Age (2007)

Japan New Zealand Trophy (2006, 2007)

Tauranga Stakes (2006, 2009)

Anniversary Handicap (2007)

Anzac 1600 (2006)