Bastida, who led home a New Zealand-bred trifecta in the Jericho Cup, beating home Botti and Epizeel. Bastida was born at Windsor Park and had his early years here before he was bought by Sargent on gavelhouse.com for $41,000 from Hawke’s Bay breeder Mick Ormond, who stayed in the horse after he was sent to Australia.

“I trained Bastida’s mother Sirani and won a few races with her, and I was delighted to be able to get him. It’s that good Black Mamba family,” Sargent said.

“Mick Ormond’s great grandfather’s brother fought in World War I so it was quite a poignant thing that he wanted to come over and watch the race.

“The Jericho’s a great race to win and it’s gaining traction every year.”

Sargent said Bastida should prove to be capable of performing at more standard staying distances and wouldn’t need 4600m to be competitive.

Sargent said he was a huge fan of the New Zealand thoroughbred and that he expected to be active at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale early next year.