Lord Zada Wins Colonial Cup by 15 1/2 Lengths

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Lord Zada ran off with the 32nd running of the $100,000 Colonial Cup steeplechase on Sunday.

Trained by Sanna Neilson, the son of Lord Avie-Lanzada made his move toward the front of the starting field of 11 on the back side of the Springdale Race Course. Lord Zada was firmly in control of the race at the 17th and final fence and galloped on to an easy 15 1/2-length win.

Gus Brown was aboard the Augustin Stables-owned 8-year-old who established a course record in making the 2 3/4-mile trip in 5:05 3/5. That topped the 5:07 set by Ninepins in the 1999 race.

"It was like having a nice trip in the countryside on an old motorbike or a convertible," said Brown. "He just did everything so easily. All I had to do was sit up on his neck and look pretty."

It was Lord Zada's initial Grade I steeplechase victory. He became the seventh to win an open Grade I steeplechase race in as many races this year.

Defending Eclipse Award champion, All Gong, finished second for the fifth time in his six starts over jumps.

Al Skywalker, winner of the $100,000 Carolina Cup on the same course last March, was another 13 1/4 lengths back and finished third.

None of the 11 horses in the race fell, and non-finishers Quel
Senor, Pinkie Swear and It's A Giggle were reported to be doing fine after the race. Trainer Tom Voss said Quel Senor didn't handle the dry course.

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