Trainer Bede Murray had the New Zealand Derby in mind for Coniston Bluebird after the horse had shown promise as a stayer in Australia, including a win over 2100m.
The horse ran a good third in the traditional Derby lead-up, the Championship Stakes, won by Down The Road on a wet track.
Rain again affected the track for the Derby, and the race was postponed 24 hours due to storm warnings.
The race proved to be an exciting contest, as Coniston Bluebird and Down The Road ran clear from the field in the straight and were involved in a photo-finish.
Coniston Bluebird underwent successful surgery and stem-cell treatment and returned to the racetrack in September 2010.