Bullrush blasts rivals away in NZ debut

Experienced jockey Leith Innes is confident that Bullrush can measure up favourably against the country’s leading short-course performers. He formed a decent opinion of the WS-bred and owned son of O’Reilly when guiding him to a successful home-coming this afternoon.
The closing day of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival marked the gelding’s first appearance from Moira and Kieran Murdoch’s stable. It proved to be a perfect debut with the six-year-old leading all the way to account for his Rating 85 rivals. “He’s going to improve a fair bit, he’s a lovely big horse and he should be up to the good New Zealand sprinters,” Innes said.
Bullrush was unbeaten in his first five starts from the Sydney stable of John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes before his form dipped, which prompted a change of environment. “He won them in a row and then just seemed to switch off,” WS principal Mark Chittick said. “We know he’s got the ability so we decided to bring him home. We’ve had a lot of fun with the horse. We’ve got a lot of the staff involved and they race him with us.”
Bullrush is a half-brother to the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes winner Sports Illustrated, their dam the Pins mare Pin Up. She is also a half-sister to the WS-bred Australasian and international Group One winner Starcraft.

Recent News
23 July 2025

Baker and Clarke uncover another Super Seth standout

Shirley’s Tribute, a $225,000 Super Seth filly, impressed on debut at Bathurst for Bjorn Baker and Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA), surging from the back to score easily and notch her sire’s 44th winner.

Read More
15 July 2025

Kiwi Chronicles: Far from finished

Written by Lloyd Jackson, ANZ Bloodstock News on 15 July 2025 The older brigade knows that time is unstoppable and not just for we humans. Thoroughbreds are not immune and Waikato Stud’s Ocean Park (Thorn …

Read More