The Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained Markwood will continue his racing career in Australia.

The son of Raise the Flag will leave New Zealand on a winning note after taking out the Wee Biskit Hurdle (3100m) at Te Aroha on Sunday.

His connections were confident heading into the race and said he needed his two lead-up runs.

“He had a start earlier on in the season and had a mishap and bled,” Shaun Clotworthy said.

“He’s a had a couple of starts now and he’s an incredible jumper. We thought he was going nice enough and I thought he would be quite hard to beat on Sunday.”

His winning performance cemented his owner’s decision to send him across the Tasman in preparation for next year.

“He’s on a plane to Australia next week,” Clotworthy said. “His owners have decided to get him over there and have a look at Australia for next season.

“I think he is going to Peter Cunningham.”