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.

Super debut by Wallace’s Seth filly

Long-time Waikato Stud supporter Gary Wallace celebrated as his homebred Super Seth filly Kia Kaha scored stylishly at Matamata. With multiple stakes winners and two Group 1 stars already, Super Seth’s early success as a sire continues to shine on both sides of the Tasman – and Kia Kaha adds to that story.

22 March 2025

Sav’s sixth Group 1 winner as a broodmare sire

Savabeel sires sixth individual Group 1 winner as a broodmare sire with Gringotts joining Never Been Kissed, Icebath, Warmonger, Savatoxl and Beauty Eternal as Group 1 winners out of Waikato Stud’s NZ Hall of Fame inductee in waiting, Savabeel.