Rubira takes out Queensland Derby

The Mark and Nathan Purdon trained Rubira proved too good for his rivals in the Group 1 $150,000 Queensland Derby at Albion Park on Inter Dominion Finals night.

Caught wide early, the 3-year-old son of Always B Miki swept to the lead with two laps to run.

Looking comfortable throughout, Rubira kept his main danger Hesitate, who raced on his back, at bay in the straight to score by almost a length and a half, with The Rising Sun winner Fate Awaits (Always B Miki) running home late for third.

A Group 1 winner at two, Rubira has compiled an impressive record to date, winning 10 of his 16 starts and placing in a further five for earnings of $366,142.

Bred by Breckon Farms Ltd, Rubira is out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Delightful Kas.

Earlier on the card, another New Zealand bred son of Always B Miki, The Janitor, was in dominant form when easily winning the Group 3 4YO Championship, running his last half in a sizzling 53.3 seconds.

The Chantal Turpin trained gelding has now won 13 races from 23 starts and banked $206,752 in stakes money.

His connections think highly of him, with next season’s Hunter Cup a possible target, along with a tilt at the 2026 Inter Dominion Series.

Bred by Lloyd Smith, The Janitor is out of the Badlands Hanover mare Weka Lass, making his granddam the former Queensland Derby and Chariots Of Fire winner Oaxaca Lass.