QUEEN ZOU GIVES TRAINER STEPHEN MARSH BACK-TO-BACK WINS IN THE GROUP 2 RICH HILL MILE

By Graham Potter | Thursday, January 1, 2026

Trainer Stephen Marsh, who is enjoying the run of a lifetime with his unbeaten filly Well Written, added another notch on to his belt when Queen Zou claimed the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

It was a particularly satisfying victory for the stable as it gave the Marsh team … and jockey Matt Cartwright … back-to-back wins in the race with the stable having saluted with Bourbon Express last year.

With pressure coming into the race … and building … approaching the home turn, the race was run to suit Queen Zou, but she still had it all to do on straightening.
Cartwright had been biding his time well back in the field, but he gave Queen Zou the green light to go shortly after the field entered the home straight and she responded on cue.

She had to!

It was a long chase, but it turned out to be a run that was timed to be inch perfect, making the win more memorable as Queen Zou only headed Son Of Sun in the final few strides to the delight of Cartwright who celebrated in the saddle.

“This is a race we wanted to win with her, and I just loved how they put the pressure on so far out as she was just stalking,” Marsh told New Zealand Racing News.

“She looked awesome beforehand and it is very exciting and rewarding for everyone.”

“I said to the owners that she walks around like a panther and Matt was confident which is half the battle.”

Marsh indicated that he would task Queen Zou with completing another back-to-back feature race set for the stable in her next start … namely in the Group 2 Thorndon Mile, which Marsh won with Provence last year.

The Thorndon Mile is scheduled to take place on Janaury 17.

As we saw from the celebration, Cartwright was chuffed with Queen Zou’s performance.

“She is such a beautiful, honest mare and one who is so deserving of a win like this,” Cartwright told New Zealand Racing News.

“We enjoyed a beautiful run, got out at the right time and she just attacked the line.

“She means a lot to me and I was quite excited after the line.

“I feel like she is up to Group One quality and can take that next step.”

More articles