The "Wanganui Wonder" won 8 Group one's, but was still considered an incredibly unlucky horse

When assessing poor rides in high-stakes races, it is common to compare any below par performances to that of renowned jockey, Shane Dye's extraordinary ride aboard Veandercross in the 1992 Caulfield Cup. Punters who backed the New Zealander into favouritism were shocked beyond belief when Dye took off from the rear of the field at the 800 metre mark and went wide, going the grandstand route around the entire field. During the business end of the race, Dye attempted to run the horse into the ground to get closer. Meanwhile, Damien Oliver, riding the strong mare Mannerism, strategically positioned himself on the inside of the track, conserving energy and gaining an advantage. Ultimately, Oliver's strategies demonstrated their effectiveness over Dye's, resulting in a narrow victory by a mere half-head margin after an intense tussle with Veandercross. Dye, with his "master of the universe" attitude, maintains his unusual tactics were more than appropriate for the situation - most disagree, and it wasn't the only time he was criticised for his ride on the great Kiwi stayer.

Veandercross, affectionately known as "Vandy" was the Australian Champion Racehorse of year, 1992-93. He was a brown gelding foaled in 1988, by the sire Crossways, out of the broodmare, Lavender, who Chris Turner had purchased for a mere $1400 in foal with the future champion. The Njinsky II heritage ensured a tough, powerful galloper was bred down through the generations. Veandercross had an exciting, come from behind style of racing and was trained in Wanganui by Turner. He won 15 races included 14 black type and 8 Group Ones. Veandercross was unbeaten in 3 starts as a 2yo.

At three years of age he won the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas, Levin Classic and Canterbury Guineas. At four he won the Mackinnon Stakes, finished 2nd in both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups before winning five Group Ones including the Lion Brown Sprint, Australian Cup, and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Veandercross was owned by his trainer Chris Turner, and when competing in Australia he was trained by Hall of Fame trainer, John Wheeler. Turner claimed Veandercross was a difficult horse to handle, a galloper that had the arrogance of an elite athlete. Despite his relatively poor attitude, he did have the ability to switch on and focus come race day. Veandercross had a remarkable career, particularly in feature Australian races, and was mainly ridden in his races by Jim Walker. The jockey rated him as the best horse he ever rode.

The late Australian media magnate, Kerry Packer, once offered Turner $1 million for the horse, however the trainer could never sell a horse he considered, his mate. He believes Veandercross could have also won the 1992 Melbourne Cup if Dye had maneuvered the horse out of traffic at the 1000m mark, but in the end Subzero had got away from them and the margin was too great to make up. Could a different jockey with a more composed and serene demeanor have guided the horse to victory in two of the most prestigious races in Australia? I guess we'll never know. Veandercross was an exceptional New Zealand champion, widely regarded by those who witnessed his accomplishments as one of the most remarkable competitors to ever grace the Australian racing arena. He was, simply brilliant.

RACE RECORD - 40: 15-9-4
EARNINGS - A$2,602,524

New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1991)
Levin Classic (1991)
Canterbury Guineas (1992)
LKS Mackinnon Stakes (1992)
Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1993)
Ranvet Stakes (1993)
Australian Cup (1993)
Lion Brown Sprint (1993)