A remarkable international double gave Gavin Bedggood one of the standout days of his training career, with victories in both New Zealand and Victoria.

The Cranbourne-based trainer kicked off celebrations when Kingswood ($10) defied expectations to land the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie under an inspired Rory Hutchings ride.

Momentum continued an hour later at Sandown, where Hedged ($4.20 fav) proved too strong in the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) with Harry Coffey aboard.

Bedggood said the New Zealand success was far from straightforward.

“Massive,” Bedggood told Trackside NZ after Kingswood’s win.

“I thought we were cast 100 metres after the start. We weren’t where we were meant to be.

“I thought we were going to look like mugs but fair play to Rory. It was a ballsy ride.”

Hutchings seized control midway through the race, sending Kingswood forward from the 800 metres and building a decisive break turning for home.

The win added to Bedggood’s growing résumé, following Mornington Glory’s Group 1 success in the Moir Stakes (1000m) last year.

“There were plenty of knockers,” Bedggood said of the NZ plan.

“I’m a realist. He’s not in the top echelon. He’s a bloody good B-grader but on his day in Melbourne, he would be competitive in an Australian Cup or a race like that.”

At Sandown, Hedged produced a dominant sprint, putting the race to bed before the final furlong.

Nadal ($7.50) finished second with Aviatress ($4.40) narrowly holding third.

Managing owner Rob Norton indicated Magic Millions Day was under consideration, though a Flemington program remains the preference.

“He had a tough run and was too good,” Coffey said.

“He covered extra ground, faced the breeze and with all that said rhythm he’s been in and he didn’t give me any grief.”

The victory snapped a long winless run for Hedged, whose previous success came at Ipswich in June 2024.

Betting markets for future starts involving Bedggood’s stable can be compared via the Australian betting sites list.