# Dundeel

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New Zealand-bred Thoroughbred racehorse

Dundeel Racing colours of Arrowfield Stud Sire High Chaparral Dam Stareel Sex Stallion Foaled 18/11/2009 Country New Zealand Colour Bay Breeder Murray & Jo Andersen Owner Arrowfield It's A Dundeel Syndicate Trainer Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman Jockey James McDonald Record 19: 10-4-1 Earnings AU$5,392,165 Major wins Gloaming Stakes (2012) Spring Champion Stakes (2012) Randwick Guineas (2013) Rosehill Guineas (2013) Australian Derby (2013) Underwood Stakes (2013) Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2014) Awards New Zealand Champion Racehorse of the Year (2014) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's Champion Middle Distance Horse (2014) Australian Champion Middle Distance Racehorse (2014) NSW Champion Horse of the Year (2013) NSW Champion Three-Year-Old (2013) New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing's Champion Three-Year-Old (2013) New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame (2025)

**Dundeel**, or **It’s A Dundeel** as he was registered for racing in Australia, is a champion New Zealand [Thoroughbred](/source/Thoroughbred) [racehorse](/source/Racehorse). He is the fifth and most recent winner of the [Australian Triple Crown](/source/Triple_Crown_of_Thoroughbred_Racing#Australia).

In 2025 Dundeel was inducted into the [New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame](/source/New_Zealand_Racing_Hall_of_Fame)[1]

## Background

Dundeel is a bay colt trained by [Murray Baker](/source/Murray_Baker) and Andrew Forsman at Murray's Cambridge stables.[2] When in Australia Dundeel was managed by son Bjorn Baker at his Warwick Farm stables. The story of his life is provided on his [website](http://www.therealdeel.com.au/the-story.html).

His sire [High Chaparral](/source/High_Chaparral) won [Epsom Derby](/source/Epsom_Derby) in 2002 and the [Breeders' Cup Turf](/source/Breeders'_Cup_Turf) in 2002 and 2003. As a stallion, he is best known as the sire of [So You Think](/source/So_You_Think) among 23 Group 1 winners.[3]

## Racing career

Dundeel started his racing career with five straight wins culminating in the 2012 [Spring Champion Stakes](/source/Spring_Champion_Stakes). He had previously added to his unbeaten record with another win in the Group 3 [Gloaming Stakes](/source/Gloaming_Stakes)[4] (1800m) also at Randwick in Sydney.

In the autumn of 2013 he became the first horse to win the coveted [Australian Triple Crown](/source/Triple_Crown_of_Thoroughbred_Racing#Australia)[5] since [Octagonal](/source/Octagonal) in 1996. He won the first leg in the 2013 [Randwick Guineas](/source/Randwick_Guineas)[6] (1600m). This victory was followed up by a comfortable 6.8 length win in the 2013 [Rosehill Guineas](/source/Rosehill_Guineas)[7] (2000m). He completed the [Australian Triple Crown](/source/Triple_Crown_of_Thoroughbred_Racing#Australia) in style with a 6 length win in the [Australian Derby](/source/Australian_Derby)[8] (2400m) and in doing so he also became the first ever to do so since the first leg moved from the [Canterbury Guineas](/source/Canterbury_Guineas) in 2006. He also becomes the first horse to win a clean sweep of the four major [Group 1](/source/Group_races) three-year-old races run in Sydney, having previously won the 2012 [Spring Champion Stakes](/source/Spring_Champion_Stakes)[9] (2000m), an Australian Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds at [Set Weights](/source/Set_Weights), raced at the [Randwick Racecourse](/source/Randwick_Racecourse), [Sydney](/source/Sydney) with prize money of [A$](/source/A%24)400,000. His fantastic three-year-old season was recognised in receiving the 2013 NSW Champion Horse of the Year.[10]

Dundeel continued to develop as a four-year-old and created history in becoming the first horse to beat the previously unbeaten [Atlantic Jewel](/source/Atlantic_Jewel) in the [Group 1](/source/Group_races) 2013 [Underwood Stakes](/source/Underwood_Stakes) (1800m) at Caulfield in Melbourne and then proceeded to win the richest race to ever be run on a Sydney track in the $4M [Queen Elizabeth Stakes](/source/Queen_Elizabeth_Stakes_(ATC)).[11] In reflecting on Dundeel's career, his trainer Murray Baker, and champion jockey James McDonald,[12] who has partnered him in all but one start, both described Dundeel as the best horse they had ever trained and ridden respectively. Mick Kent, trainer of the [Australian Derby](/source/Australian_Derby) runner-up Philippi, described Dundeel as “the best horse in Australia - as good as the mare ([Black Caviar](/source/Black_Caviar))”.[13] [Black Caviar](/source/Black_Caviar)'s breeder Rick Jamieson has described Dundeel as a champion and "the best three-year-old we have seen for a while."[14]

His victory in the 2014 [Queen Elizabeth Stakes](/source/Queen_Elizabeth_Stakes_(ATC)) earned him a Timeform rating of 129 at the conclusion of his racing career, which ranks him as the 21st equal highest rated Australian racehorse since the 1950s.[15]

## Stud career

On 21 April 2014, two days after his victory in the [Queen Elizabeth Stakes](/source/Queen_Elizabeth_Stakes_(ATC)), it was announced that It's a Dundeel was to be retired to [stud](/source/Stud_(animal)).[16] This was met with mixed reactions as his trainer Murray Baker was of the opinion that the best was yet to come from the champion [colt](/source/Colt_(horse))[17] and others were surprised that his stud fee was so modest given his achievements.[18]

[Dundeel](http://www.arrowfield.com.au/horses/dundeel.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140503045109/http://www.arrowfield.com.au/horses/dundeel.html) 2014-05-03 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) stands at [Arrowfield Stud](/source/Arrowfield_Stud),[19] the largest [Australian](/source/Australia) owned [thoroughbred](/source/Thoroughbred) [stud](/source/Stud_(animal)) farm.

### Notable stock

*c = [colt](/source/Colt_(horse)), f = [filly](/source/Filly), g = [gelding](/source/Gelding)*

Foaled Name Sex Dam Dam Sire Major Wins 2015 Atyaab[20] c Sylvaner (NZ) Danasinga (Aus) Cape Derby 2015 Truly Great[21] g Truly Special (Aus) Jeune (GB) Kingston Town Classic 2016 Castelvecchio[22] c St Therese (Aus) Dehere (USA) Champagne Stakes, Rosehill Guineas 2016 Super Seth[23][24] c Salutations (Aus) Redoute's Choice Caulfield Guineas 2016 Yourdeel g Miss Zapper (Aus) Red Ransom (USA) Sistema Stakes, Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes 2019 Dunkel g Kudamm (Aus) Cape Cross (Ire) South Australian Derby 2020 Celestial Legend[25] c Sarraqa (Aus) Snitzel (Aus) Randwick Guineas, Doncaster Mile 2020 Militarize c Amerindia (GB) Dubawi (Ire) Sires' Produce Stakes, Champagne Stakes, Golden Rose Stakes 2021 Femminile[26] f Femme Fireball (Aus) Pierro (Aus) South Australian Derby 2021 Idle Flyer f Progressive (Aus) Street Cry (Ire) Queen Of The Turf Stakes

## Pedigree

Pedigree of It's a Dundeel[27] Sire High Chaparral Sadler's Wells Northern Dancer Nearctic Natalma Fairy Bridge Bold Reason Special Kasora Darshaan Shirley Heights Delsy Kozana Kris Koblenza Dam Stareel Zabeel Sir Tristram Sir Ivor Isolt Lady Giselle Nureyev Valderna Staring Fiesta Star Luskin Star Very Merry Sweet Violet In the Purple Sugar Doll

## See also

- [Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand](/source/Thoroughbred_racing_in_New_Zealand)

- [Thoroughbred racing in Australia](/source/Thoroughbred_racing_in_Australia)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Dundeel to be inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame"](https://www.racinghalloffame.co.nz/blog/post/144027/dundeel-to-be-inducted-to-new-zealand-racing-hall-of-fame/). *Dundeel to be inducted to New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame | NZ Racing Hall of Fame*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Baker Racing"](http://www.bakerracing.co.nz/). Bakerracing.co.nz. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Dundeel-Pedigree"](https://www.arrowfield.com.au/stallions/dundeel/#pedigree). arrowfield.com.au. Retrieved 2023-11-15.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["It's A Dundeel (NZ) wins Gloaming Stakes with ease"](http://www.thoroughbrednews.com.au/Sydney/default.aspx?id=62069). Thoroughbrednews.com.au. 2012-09-22. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["2013 Australian Derby Results – Winner It's A Dundeel Completes Triple Crown"](http://www.races.com.au/2013/04/13/2013-australian-derby-results-winner-its-a-dundeel-completes-triple-crown/). Races.com.au. 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["It's A Dundeel Wins 2013 Randwick Guineas"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130727141340/http://www.races.com.au/2013/03/16/its-a-dundeel-wins-2013-randwick-guineas/). Races.com.au. 2013-03-16. Archived from [the original](http://www.races.com.au/2013/03/16/its-a-dundeel-wins-2013-randwick-guineas/) on 2013-07-27. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Ray Thomas in Sydney (2013-03-30). ["It's A Dundeel toys with Rosehill Guineas opposition to remain on course for Triple Crown"](http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/its-a-dundeel-toys-with-rosehill-guineas-opposition-to-remain-on-course-for-triple-crown/story-fn67rc85-1226609474343). Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Ray Thomas (2013-04-13). ["It's A Dundeel thumps his ATC Australian Derby rivals to record extraordinary win"](http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/superracing/its-a-dundeel-thumps-his-atc-australian-derby-rivals-to-record-extraordinary-win/story-fn67rc85-1226619757957). Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Spring Champion win a Dundeel"](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-06/spring-champion-at-randwick/4297816). *ABC News*. 6 October 2012. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["It's A Dundeel Cleans up at NSW Awards"](http://www.racenet.com.au/news/92101/It%E2%80%99s-A-Dundeel-cleans-up-at-NSW-awards). Retrieved 2013-08-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["It's A Dundeel Wins WFA Underwood Stakes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130922230916/http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/2013092161093/Australia/It-s-A-Dundeel-Wins-WFA-Underwood-Stakes.html). Archived from [the original](http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/2013092161093/Australia/It-s-A-Dundeel-Wins-WFA-Underwood-Stakes.html) on 2013-09-22. Retrieved 2013-09-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["TAB • News & Tips"](https://www.tab.co.nz/information/#news/2011-08-27/20102011-nz-thoroughbred-awards). Tab.co.nz. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["It's a Dundeel completes autumn Triple Crown"](http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/its-a-dundeel-claims-autumn-triple-crown/story-e6frg7mf-1226619865070). *TheAustralian*. The Australian. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Chris Roots (2013-04-14). ["'We ran second to a champion'"](http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/we-ran-second-to-a-champion-20130413-2hs9e.html). [Sydney Morning Herald](/source/Sydney_Morning_Herald). Retrieved 2013-05-06.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Racing And Sports"](http://www.racingandsports.com.au/en/tf-rating-summary.asp?tfe=TFAll-aus). *www.racingandsports.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Dundeel Retired, to Stand at Arrowfield Stud"](http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84497/dundeel-retired-to-stand-at-arrowfield-stud).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Racing: No doubts left - he's the real deal"](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/racing/racing-no-doubts-left-hes-the-real-deal/66W7LMX6LMPDLEKO3AXRX6PGUU/?c_id=4&objectid=11241427). *NZ Herald*. April 18, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Racenet - Australia's Premier Horse Racing News, Form Guides & Tips"](https://www.racenet.com.au/remote/check_cookie.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fnews%2F99689%2FStud-fee-is-a-Dundeel). *racenet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Arrowfield Thoroughbred Studs Australia"](https://arrowfield.com.au/). *Arrowfield*. May 11, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Racenet - Australia's Premier Horse Racing News, Form Guides & Tips"](https://www.racenet.com.au/remote/check_cookie.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fprofiles%2Fhorse%2Fatyaab-aus). *racenet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["TRULY GREAT horse profile, breeding, statistics, form guide and news | Breednet"](https://www.breednet.com.au/horse/truly-great). *www.breednet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Castelvecchio - Stallion | Breednet"](https://www.breednet.com.au/sire/castelvecchio). *www.breednet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Super Seth - Stallion | Breednet"](https://www.breednet.com.au/sire/super-seth). *www.breednet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Super Seth – Waikato Stud"](https://waikatostud.com/stallions/super-seth/). *waikatostud.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["CELESTIAL LEGEND horse profile, breeding, statistics, form guide and news | Breednet"](https://www.breednet.com.au/horse/celestial-legend). *www.breednet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["FEMMINILE horse profile, breeding, statistics, form guide and news | Breednet"](https://www.breednet.com.au/horse/femminile). *www.breednet.com.au*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["It's a Dundeel pedigree"](http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=8870203&registry=T&horse_name==Dundeel). equineline.com. 2012-05-08. Retrieved 2013-05-06.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Dundeel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundeel) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundeel?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.