Gavin Bedggood enjoyed a day he will long remember as a trans-Tasman double delivered the Cranbourne-based trainer one of the highlights of his career.
Bedggood struck gold first in New Zealand when Kingswood ($10) produced a courageous performance under Rory Hutchings to claim the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie.
Just an hour later, the celebrations continued back home when Hedged ($4.20 fav) stormed to victory in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Sandown, ridden by Harry Coffey.
Bedggood was quick to credit Hutchings for a daring ride in the New Zealand feature.
“Massive,” Bedggood told Trackside NZ after Kingswood’s win.
“I thought we were cast 100 metres after the start. We weren’t where we were meant to be.
“I thought we were going to look like mugs but fair play to Rory. It was a ballsy ride.”
Hutchings made a decisive move from the 800-metre mark, pushing Kingswood into the race and opening up a four-length break on the turn to steal a winning advantage.
The victory marked Bedggood’s second Group 1 success, following Mornington Glory’s triumph in the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley in 2024.
“There were plenty of knockers,” Bedggood said of the NZ plan.
“I’m a realist. He’s not in the top echelon. He’s a bloody good B-grader but on his day in Melbourne, he would be competitive in an Australian Cup or a race like that.”
Back at Sandown, Coffey delivered Hedged with perfect timing, opening up a commanding break at the 300-metre mark and holding off late challengers to score comfortably.
Nadal ($7.50) chased hard into second with Aviatress ($4.40) a nose away third.
Rob Norton of Roll The Dice Racing said future plans could include a Magic Millions Day appearance, though Flemington remained the most likely option.
“He had a tough run and was too good,” Coffey said.
“He covered extra ground, faced the breeze and with all that said rhythm he’s been in and he didn’t give me any grief.”
The win ended Hedged’s drought, his previous success coming at Ipswich in June 2024.
Early markets for upcoming starts involving Kingswood and Hedged can be found via the Australian betting sites list.