MELBOURNE – Kingswood, a long-shot UK-bred grey, delivered trainer Gavin Bedggood his most significant career victory by winning the Caulfield Cup on October 17. The Group 1 race, contested over 2,400 meters at Caulfield Racecourse, carried prize money of A$6.55 million (S$5.82 million).

The win surpassed Bedggood’s previous top achievement with Mornington Glory, who claimed the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley in 2024. Bedggood, who transitioned from a jumps jockey with nearly 100 wins to a trainer in 2017, rapidly established a reputation for acquiring horses online and revitalizing their form at his Cranbourne training facility.

Kingswood’s rise had been steady, with the horse previously securing victory at the 2021 Heatherlie Handicap, a stepping stone on the path to Saturday’s success. Jockey John Allen, aboard Kingswood at $188 odds, guided the grey to a half-length victory over Saint George, ridden by Craig Williams. A half-length further back was UK contender Enflair, ridden by Ray Dawson, who finished third.

Bedggood recounted initial concerns after Kingswood was assigned the outer barrier 27 but expressed confidence in Allen's tactical riding. “I told Johnny yesterday: ‘you’re riding it,’” Bedggood said. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the barrier draw and being positioned three wide throughout the race.

Bedggood also addressed skepticism surrounding Kingswood’s stamina over the 1,500 meter-plus distance. He noted that the horse’s prior performance in the Zipping Classic, contested under heavy track conditions, should not have been viewed negatively. “You had to put a line through it. It’s great to be vindicated,” he said.

In 2025, Kingswood was campaigned in New Zealand, where he contested three Group 1 events, including a victory at Ellerslie. Bedggood highlighted the strategic timing of these races following a limited spring season in Australia, aiming to secure a Group 1 win during a period when local opportunities were scarce.

“I felt a bit sorry for the horse because everyone said he went to New Zealand and knocked off a second-tier type of horse, but I didn’t think that was the case,” Bedggood remarked. He expressed belief that Kingswood’s form positioned him as a contender for major races such as the Australian Cup in the autumn. “We hit every target this preparation... to win the Grand Final is fantastic.”

The event was overshadowed by a fall early in the final straight involving Half Yours, ridden by Mark Zahra, and Ohope Wins, with Jye McNeil up. Half Yours fell first, and Ohope Wins came down atop last year’s Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner. Ohope Wins sustained catastrophic injuries and was euthanised on track. Both Zahra and McNeil walked to the ambulance and were taken to hospital for assessment and observation.