Charlton Pacing Cup winner Jadahson readies for life after racing.
Fresh from its VHRSC Victoria Derby success with Our Little General, the dominant Emma Stewart/Clayton Tonkin training operation is the latest stable to throw its support behind Harness Racing Victoria’s HERO Program.
The all-conquering Ballarat team, which currently heads the Victorian premiership and is placed sixth nationally, is working with HERO to facilitate a productive life after racing for three successful pacers who have recently been retired.
The highest profile of the trio is Jadahson, a nine-year-old winner of 26 races and $277,000 in stakes.
The son of Falcon Seelster and champion mare Jadah Rose’s career highlights include the 2013 St Arnaud Cup and 2016 Charlton Cup; placings in the Australian Pacing Gold 3YO Final, Vicbred Super Series 4YO Final and Victorian 4YO & 5YO Championship; and a best winning time of 1:53.9.
Stablemate Hes Kinky, by Safely Kept, notched 11 wins and seven placings and $73,104 in stake earnings from just 43 starts and took a career best mark of 1:53.5, while Modern Art gelding Art Of Deception’s racing life was short lived due to injury but he produced five wins, four placings and $26,310 in stakes from 13 starts including a 1:55.6 Ballarat victory.
Stewart has been a long-time advocate for life after racing, having previously secured retirement and/or ridden opportunities for the vast majority of her team.
“We have always tried to place our suitable horses into post-racing homes, irrespective of their racetrack success,” she said.
“Standardbreds have a lot to give in their life beyond the track and we’re proud to be supporting the HERO Program.”
The new partnership with HERO represents a significant investment on the part of the stable, as Jadahson and Hes Kinky have both exited racing as entires.
“We have a very strict policy with regard to colts and stallions. Only geldings and mares will be accepted for retraining and rehoming,” HERO program manager Tanya McDermott said.
“We are very fortunate that Emma and Clayton will cover the expenses to have both horses gelded. Our partners at Alabar Bloodstock have very generously agreed to supervise the surgery and manage the recuperation to prepare the two boys for their transition from track to hack.
“Alabar did a magnificent job overseeing Tiz A Masterpiece as he undertook a similar journey and the success of that project was the impetus for enlisting their expertise for this new project.
“Alan Galloway and his staff – headed by Brett Coffey - were only too pleased to assist, extending a highly-valued partnership which dates back to the HERO Program’s inception in July 2015.”
Jadahson and Hes Kinky will relocate to Alabar this week to commence the next stage in their life.
To follow their progress, like HRVHERO on Facebook or visit www.hrvhero.com.au.
HERO is a joint initiative of Harness Racing Victoria and the State Government via the Victorian Racing Industry Fund.
