Extreme Sea with all of his proud connections after winning the TAB Regional Championships Metropolitan Final at Menangle last Saturday night. Photo by Club Menangle
MUCH has been said about the Hewitt family’s untold ability as horsemen and women.
Not to mention the legacy that was left by their father and grandfather, the late Tom Hewitt, who was regarded as one of the most astute trainers of his era.
Tom’s three sons Mark, David and Bernie have each carved strong careers in harness racing which has continued through their children all boasting success at a prominent level, while his daughter Jenna’s son Dennis Picker has also made a name for himself.
The Hewitts have an extensive list of Group 1 and listed classic wins against their name and while there have been so many top horses among them, David Hewitt may have unearthed the best of them yet in the shape of Extreme Sea.
The four-year-old made a real statement on Saturday night when he made a mess of his rivals in taking out the $100,000 TAB Regional Metropolitan Final at Tabcorp Park Menangle, scoring by 26 metres and rating 1.52.8 for the 2300 metre distance.
Bred by David and his wife Maree, who race the gelding in partnership with their daughter Jessica, Extreme Sea is taking all before him, having now won six of his nine race starts with his other feature wins being in the Three-Year-Old Breeders Challenge and the Riverina Championships.
Racecaller Fred Hastings described what he saw “as something very special” on Saturday night when driver Brad Hewitt sat quietly in the gig, his charge appearing to have plenty in reserve all the way down to the line.
Hewitt made a move from the tail of the field with 1600 metres to travel, finding the lead at the bell, and the rest was history.
"He was fantastic on Saturday night,” said Brad.
"You always have that added pressure when you go into a big race, especially on one at such a short price.
“It is a bit mind-blowing that he did the way he did, given it was only his ninth career start . . . and he handled it perfectly.
"To be brutally honest, I do not believe we have found the bottom of him yet.
"He has been doing it all so easily, he gives me that feel each time I drive him.
" I am just so proud to be experiencing this ride with Dad, Mum and my sister.
“They have a really nice horse on their hands, and I hope it continues for us all.”
