Asterix (horse)

New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Asterix

Sire| Tavistock
Grandsire| Montjeu
Dam| Mourasana
Damsire| Shirocco
Sex| Gelding
Foaled| 10 November 2018
Country| New Zealand
Colour| Bay
Breeder| Go Bloodstock New Zealand Ltd
Owner| D & B Kelt, A & L Scott & Mark Greatbatch
Trainer| Lance O'Sullivan & Andrew Scott
Record| 4:2-0-0
Earnings| NZ$607,200
Major wins
New Zealand Derby (2022), Avondale Cup (2024)

Asterix (foaled 10 November 2018) is a New Zealand racehorse, best known for an upset victory in the 147th running of the New Zealand Derby.

## Background

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Asterix is a bay gelding by the former Cambridge Stud stallion Tavistock, who became widely known as a remarkable sire of classic winners. He had previously been represented by two Victoria Derby winners (Tarzino and Johnny Get Angry), along with winners of the Australian Derby (Tavago), Rosehill Guineas (Volkstok'n'barrell), Hong Kong Derby (Werther) and Singapore Derby (Infantry).

Asterix was bred by Sir Owen Glenn's Go Bloodstock, and he was bought for NZ$450,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry.[1] Asterix races in the colours of the Kelt family, which had previously been carried to Derby victory by Popsy in 1993. Former New Zealand international cricketer Mark Greatbatch also shares in the ownership.[2]

## Racing career

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Asterix is trained by Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, who also won the 2021 New Zealand Derby with Rocket Spade. Asterix made his debut less than two months before his Derby triumph, finishing sixth in a 1400-metre race at Matamata on January 12. An eighth placing followed at Te Rapa on February 2, before Asterix stepped up to 2100 metres and recorded a maiden victory at Tauranga on February 16.

The Derby was only two weeks after that victory and represented a massive rise in class, with Asterix among the outsiders at 45-to-one. But he produced a powerful performance, swooping forward from last to lodge his bid at the top of the home straight and sprinting clear for a comfortable victory over hot favourite La Crique.[3][4]

On 17 February 2024, ridden by Lynsey Satherley, Asterix won the Group 2 Avondale Cup over 2400m from Dionysus and Good Oil.[5] [6][7]

## Pedigree

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Pedigree of Asterix, bay gelding, 2018[8] Sire
Tavistock (NZ)
2005  | Montjeu (IRE)
1996  | Sadlers Wells  | Northern Dancer

|
|
|

Fairy Bridge
Floripedes  | Top Ville
Toute Cy
Upstage (GB)
1998  | Quest for Fame  | Rainbow Quest
Aryenne
Pedestal  | High Line
Mrs. Moss
Dam
Mourasana (GB)
2008  | Shirocco (GER)
2001  | Monsun  | Konigsstuhl
Mosella
So Sedulous  | The Minstrel
Sedulous
Mamoura (IRE)
1840  | Lomond  | Northern Dancer
My Charmer
Mamouna  | Vaguely Noble
Mabira

## See also

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* 2022 New Zealand Derby

## References

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1. ^ "Asterix (NZ) Soars to Derby Glory | New Zealand Bloodstock | Thoroughbred Auction House". www.nzb.co.nz.
2. ^ "Horse Profile / NZRacing". loveracing.nz.
3. ^ Desk NZ, NZ Racing. "Asterix delivers Derby double for O'Sullivan and Scott | NZ Racing News".
4. ^ "Kelt shares in a second NZ Derby success with Asterix". NZ Herald. March 10, 2022.
5. ^ "Former Derby winner back to winning form in Avondale Cup". LOVERACING.NZ.
6. ^ "Former Derby Hero Returns to the Big Time in Avondale Cup | New Zealand Bloodstock | Thoroughbred Auction House".
7. ^ "Asterix takes out the Gr 2 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup". February 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
8. ^ "Asterix20". pedigreequery.com. Retrieved March 24, 2025.