Rivals chase WS debutant in vain

4 August 2015

Bullrush posted a commanding debut victory in the WS colours at Goulburn this afternoon. Team Hawkes made a rare visit to a country track to launch the four-year-old’s career and it proved a perfect move.

The Garry Chittick-bred and raced son of O’Reilly, who had been unbeaten in two lead-up trials, had no trouble justifying his red-hot favouritism under rider Jay Ford. He sat with the leader to the turn and then left his rivals in his wake when asked for an effort.

“He is an exciting horse in the making,” said co-trainer Michael Hawkes after the win.

“Today’s win is not a surprise. We’ve had a good opinion of him since coming over from New Zealand. He’s still green and learning, but he has a lot of upside and ability. The big thing about today was giving him a trip away.

“He’ll go out for a spell now. The key to him will be patience.”

Bullrush is a half-brother to the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes winner Sports Illustrated (Fast N Famous). Their dam Pin Up a half-sister to the WS-bred international Group One winner and sire Starcraft.

First Stakes Winner For Banquo

Waikato Stud stallion Banquo was a stakes winner on the track and now he has sired his first stakes winner as Kris Shalier’s Justin Case delivered a dominant performance to pull clear in the G3 …

13 February 2026

Waikato invest in next generation with Return To Conquer to join its roster

Joining a long legacy of breed-shaping stallions to stand at Waikato Stud, three generations of the Chittick family have placed their confidence in Return To Conquer, with the A$1.3 million yearling and unbeaten Group 1-winning son of the four-time Champion Sire and Champion Two-Year-Old sire, Snitzel, to take his position on the Waikato roster in 2026.