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Nedwin scores gallant victory in Waikato Steeplechase
Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • June 13th, 2026 4:00 pm
Nedwin pictured on his way to winning the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) at Te Rapa on Saturday | Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Gallant steeplechaser Nedwin produced one of his greatest performances when wearing down Leaderboard in the shadows of the winning post to win the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
In a race marred by the heavy fall of race favourite West Coast with 800m to run, the evergreen 11-year-old Nedwin jumped brilliantly in front for jockey Matt Gillies before surrendering his lead to Leaderboard at the 800m as that runner made his bid for glory in his last raceday start.
Leaderboard held a three-length lead from Nedwin with one fence to clear, however, the Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-prepared chaser had gained his second wind and went charging after the pacemaker over the last fence and gained the upper-hand to win by a head from Leaderboard with Smug charging along the inner to take third just half a length in arrears of the first two.
Nelson was overjoyed with the victory after the horse had been cruelly denied in the Great New Zealand Steeplechase (6200m) at Te Aroha last September when crashing out at the 1000m mark when travelling strongly in front.
“That’s very satisfying and it shows you how tough he is and how unfortunate he was in the Northern last year when he fell,” Nelson said.
“I couldn’t believe he was there today, doing what he did as he has been a race behind them all the way through.
“If he can improve on that then we will be very happy.
“We may look at Wellington for the big chase there and then perhaps a National after that.”
The victory by Nedwin was his 16th in a 51-start career, where he has now won over $534,000 in prizemoney.
A sombre mood prevailed in the aftermath of the race with the announcement that fan favourite West Coast had been humanely euthanised following the fall, with rider Joshua Parker sustaining a suspected broken collarbone.
