FEATURE
Zaaki crosses the line at Flemington during his record-breaking racing career. (Jay Town/Racing Photos)
“Once he figured out how to get over them, he’s just developed this amazing technique,” said Lowings. “Thoroughbreds don’t always have the best technique, but he really does. He’s got the front end, the back end, and he seems to have the scope. He’s figured it out, and he’s excelling.” The progress has been rapid. Zaaki performed impressively at the Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association National Titles at Stonewall in New South Wales in early 2026, before competing in the three-day international event in Werribee in June, where he finished 3rd in the Off The Track CCN1*-L at the 2026 4CYTE™ Melbourne International Three- Day Event. Lowings, who represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics aboard Bold Venture, is optimistic about what comes next for Zaaki, but is careful not to burden him with expectation. “I truly believe he’s a good enough jumper to go all the way. It’s just mentally and physically whether he wants to do
that. His natural ability, I think, is good enough,” she told The Verdict podcast. “I don’t want to have too many goals with him. I just want him to enjoy his career after racing. He really doesn’t owe anyone anything.” So far, there’s little sign of Zaaki wanting to slow down. If anything, the opposite. “At this stage, he’s absolutely loving it, but the minute he stops loving it is the minute we’ll stop, but I can’t see that happening any time soon,” said Lowings. It’s a sentiment that would come as no surprise to Archibald, who watched Zaaki grow from a horse adjusting to an Australian summer into a genuine superstar. “As a trainer, he took me to places you dream of getting to at any point in your career, let alone at the start,” she once reflected. “Zaaki’s been a big part of my success.” Now he’s busy building a second chapter – and if Lowings is right, it might be the greatest one yet.
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