The connections of Heartofahlia after her win at Bunbury. Photo by Photography by Jodie Hallows
Heartofahlia really is just that, with her name so special to so many, the two-year-old Harness The Dream Grand Finale prize has provided the thrill of a first win to many first-time participants in the sport.
Trained by Justin Prentice, the daughter of Art Major USA out of Quick Sunrise started as the short priced $1.85 favourite in the opener at Bunbury on Wednesday September 27 and looking a lot stronger this preparation, she hasn’t finished further back than fourth at her four starts back.
Owned by Trotsynd No 22 Syndicate, Heartofahlia is part-owned by a number of Harness The Dream contestants, including Tim Anscombe, Matt Wishart and Murray Tognela from the 2022 series, as well as this year’s winners, Alan and Marie Sadler (The EMZ’s) who took home the grand prize of a 5% share in both Heartofahlia and Blaze Away, who finished in second place in the 2YO APG Sales Classic for the Colts and Geldings earlier in the year.
Being a westbred two-year-old filly, Heartofahlia has accumulated $8500 in bonuses for her owners in just six starts (including the first win bonus), as well as accumulating 12.5% and a one-off first win bonus of $3000 for her breeder.
Named after Ahlia Williams, the niece of this year's Harness The Dream Ambassador, Tom Buchanan, there is a very special meaning behind how this little two-year-old filly got her name.
“Ahlia came out to JP’s when this horse was a foal and Ahlia gave her, her stable name, Chilli,
“They then named the horse after Ahlia when she passed.” Buchanan said.
Diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and incurable brain cancer in June 2020 is a devasting cancer that primarily targets children, and with a zero percent survival rate, Ahlia sadly passed away just five month later in late 2020.
Buchanan now dedicates much of his time to raising awareness and funds for this heartbreaking disease, with the Tom set to ride again next week, Saturday October 7, in a gruelling 260km ride. He currently sits just $405 short of his $100,000 goal this year.
Link to donate:
Ride for Ahlia 2023 (grassrootz.com)
