Queensland brings out best in Kukeracha

Horses at Waikato Stud

Kukeracha made an overdue return to winning form in his favourite state when he prevailed in a driving finish to claim the G3 Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm.

The Waikato Stud graduate was last successful in the Listed Tails S. at Doomben a year ago, but a most recent third in the Listed Wagga Cup was a serious indication the Chris Waller-trained representative was back to his best.

Kukeracha was given a sweet run close to the pace by rider James McDonald and, after improving three wide 500 metres from home, maintained a strong gallop for the fifth victory of his career.

“He seems to find good form in Queensland each year and is obviously a G1 Queensland Derby winner over this distance at Eagle Farm,” Waller said.

“His run at Wagga was very good and he was fit and was ready to run a strong 2400 metres.”

Bred by Dr Chris Phillips, Kukeracha was purchased out of the Matamata farm’s Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2019 by bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster for $130,000.

He is out of the imported AP Indy mare Portrait Of A Lady, also the dam of the G3 Keith Nolan Classic winner Cameo.

Recent News
13 August 2025

Saltcoats stakes his claim for Premier’s Cup glory

Saltcoats (Ardrossan) stormed to a 2.33-length win in the rescheduled $160,000 Premier’s Cup Prelude, setting up a possible tilt at the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup later this month.

Read More
13 August 2025

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Many years ago, obviously before my brain had developed as far as it was allowed to go, I was an active member of Young Nationals. It was a social activity for a start, until I …

Read More