I got into ownership back in 2010. I was a 30 year old that had just got a decent pay rise and wanted to be smart about investing it, people gave me their advice and opinions of what I should invest in – real estate, shares etc. But I already knew exactly what I was going to invest in- Race Horses.
So I began the search for the first horse, I knew that I couldn’t afford a whole horse on my own and I wanted to meet people through my passion, my search commenced with Syndication Companies. I spent many hours on the internet searching for that horse that I would outlay money in order to enjoy the thrills of horse racing in a different way. Eventually, I came across a yearling filly that I could simply not refuse. She was stunning on the eye, by one of my favourite racehorses now a sire and not that much of an initial outlay. I made some phone calls, organised a visit to go see the filly before signing any paperwork. I even still remember the day just like it was yesterday, bucketing down with rain, I convinced a friend to drive me to the Central Coast of New South Wales.
As soon as I laid eyes on her I was taken aback and instantly had a bond with the filly. I had signed the printed paperwork even before out of the driveway, I wanted in. Well time went by and the filly went from a yearling to a Two Year Old, eventually getting the name HAWAIIAN ROSE or Rosie as we called her.
HAWAIIAN ROSE
Bay Filly, Stratum x Kapalua Bay
Owning 5% in the filly that was very easy to spot, Four white stockings- to most this would be a horse that you would not bet on let alone own as there is the story of the 4 white feet on a race horse. Hawaiian Rose was trained at Gosford by Grant Allard, strapper of champion Lonhro so definitely knew a thing or two about training race horses as he had learned from the best.
Over Rosie’s race career we did have a lot of fun, she had 27 Starts for 3 wins, 5 seconds (most by the barest of margins) and 1 third. Including also a 4th in the 2015 Listed Gosford Guineas as the long outsider of the field.
Rosie was admired wherever she went as she definitely has the looks and had the ability to jump from the barriers and roll along out front of a field at her own pace and sustain this over a mile (1600m)
Hawaiian Rose was retired in early 2017 and is now enjoying life as an Eventer. Relive some of Rosie’s finest moments
Hawaiian Rose breaks her Maiden
2015 Listed Gosford Guineas- Runs 4th
To view other races click Here
TINY (Unnamed Charge Forward yearling)
One race horse is never usually enough, just like pringles. Once I had gotten into Rosie and was having fun, I wanted more- yep another horse. Luckily being single I have nobody to answer to and justify the reason as to why I wanted another. This time I wanted a colt (boy), so I end up going along to the Inglis Sales at the Newmarket Complex and watched all the youngsters go through the sales ring, again I stayed with Grand Syndicates and this time they secured a Charge Forward colt x King of Roses- I couldn’t say no to this boy as he wore his heart on his head.
So I took a share in this gorgeous boy, as he was little I had nicknamed him Tiny as he was also yet to be unknown, sadly he would never get a race name. He was sent off to the breakers and had an injury unfortunately had to see him put down.
Quite upset by this and due to the circumstances I was offered the opportunity to take a share in another of the yearlings. One had already caught my eye as I had seen the huge filly at the sales and also at the same agistment property that both Tiny and Rosie stayed at, so I transferred into this filly hoping to have more fun with the girl. This filly would go on to be called BELLE VOLEUR.
BELLE VOLEUR (meaning Beautiful Thief)
Bay Filly, Time Thief x River Lena
This imposing filly was hard to go by, she stood quite tall as a yearling and would only grow even bigger. Unfortunately, early in her career we saw nothing but injuries as being so tall she would go Shin Sore in her first prep, so we had to wait for her to hit the track.
Breaking her maiden at just her 3rd start at Kembla with start to end finish, we got to see just what she had and were getting excited for some exciting times ahead. Again unfortunately, she was prone to injury and was immediately sent out for a spell. During the time she ended up with scouring which took her some time to get over, some even thinking she may not even make a return to the track. Patient owners persisted and waited for our big girl to get better, back in work and back on to the track, Belle scored another win, this would be her last though. Unfortunately, suffering a bone chip injury Belle was sent out and under the knife to have the injury repaired as we knew she had the ability.
A long wait was ahead, 16 weeks to be exact. Belle was confined to a box and then sent into a lush green paddock to heal from her injuries. Eventually she returned to the track and unfortunately not as the same horse. No matter how hard the jockey would try, Belle was not the same horse and was under performing to the ability we all knew she had.
The decision was made to retire her as the race was simply not in the horse anymore. To relive the wins by Belle, click below.
Belle Voleur Breaks her Maiden
Racing is addicting. take from me and twenty year veteran of the racetrack. I was a pro jockey at Woodbine and many other tracks. I retired in 2005 I too didn’t recover from my injuries and it was time to leave. I still enjoy keeping tabs on my racing friends, However, traveling and blogging is my sport now. Thanks for a good memory, I enjoyed your post
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Hi Kelly,
It sure is addictive and a pretty good one to have!
Thank you for taking the time to read and glad you enjoyed the post and that it was able to bring back some good memories.
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Enjoying your blog page
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Thank you for taking the time out to check out the blog and have found it enjoyable.
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