On Track 2024 (DRAFT 2)Pages AT - Flipbook - Page 20
Australia Stakes Day
A CELEBRATION OF THE HORSE
By Nick Hluchaniuk
Communications Executive
Australia Stakes Day ushered in racing
at The Valley for 2024, where the horse
was the focus both on and off the track.
The Group 2 Sharp EIT Solutions Australia
Stakes was the feature on the track, the
biggest race on the calendar for January
in Victoria. It was three-year-old Veight
for Tony and Calvin McEvoy who claimed a
narrow victory, defeating Southport Tycoon.
Beyond the racecourse, the crowd of
over 3400 was treated to a ‘Celebration
of the Horse’ showcasing a diverse array
of breeds, from the big to the small.
There were Clydesdales, a Shetland,
a Miniature Horse, and a couple
of ex-champion racehorses.
Hartnell was one of the ex-champions, with
the four-time Group 1 winner featured as part
of Racing Victoria’s Off The Track program.
In his previous life as a racehorse, he
raced three times at The Valley, with two of
those starts coming in the W.S Cox Plate,
running into a handy mare named Winx.
Presented in outstanding order, his popularity
was evident throughout the day, with many
keen for a pat and a photo with gelding who
amassed $7,469,499 during his racing career.
Godolphin’s Lifetime Care Program aims
to ensure its horses receive the highest
standard of care throughout every stage
of their lives, and works with partners
worldwide, such as Racing Victoria.
Hartnell has experienced success post-racing,
thriving in his new career as a show horse.
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‘Zaccy’ joined Hartnell from Off The Track.
The gelding raced under the moniker Liberty
Prince back in 2015, but after five unplaced
runs, the son of Statue Of Liberty was retired.
He has since found his talent in show jumping.
Apache Cat is always a crowd favourite, with
the 21-year-old baldy-faced chestnut having
spent his retirement at Living Legends.
The Valley was a happy hunting ground
for ’Patch’, winning three times, including
twice at Group 1, going back-to-back
in the Australia Stakes in 2008/09.
Joining Apache Cat from Living Legends
was Enzed, a Miniature Horse who
proved a big hit with the kids.
Our Junior Jock mascot, Crossword, was
also on course. With his small stature,
Crossword has been a source of delight
for racegoers all season, endearing
himself, along with owner Helen Colliver
and her family, to the hearts of the Club.
Towering over Enzed and Crossword were
Clydesdales Mr Brown and Princess Kate.
Back on the track, an Australian Light
Horse Reenactment charge took place prior
to the running of The Sharp EIT Solutions
Australia Stakes, thrilling the crowd as they
made their way down The Valley straight.
The core mission of The Light Horse
Association is to preserve the history and
tradition of the Australian Light Horse, with
Re-enactment Troops playing a key part.
The day was as a resounding success,
providing an excellent opportunity to
showcase and celebrate the profound
love and passion for horses.