(Left to right): Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes, part-owner Nicki Cramsie, Mike Smith (CHC)
The aptly named Broken Hill looks a progressive type heading into the new year after a facile win at Canterbury Park this evening. The striking colt was fronting the starter for only the second time in his career but belied that inexperience with a slick display under the expert guidance of champion jockey Hugh Bowman.
Today’s AUD50,000 Sharp Extensive IT Handicap (1250m) is likely to be a stepping stone to higher aspirations for Broken Hill who couldn’t have been more impressive against his seven rivals.
“Broken Hill was visually very impressive today,” said China Horse Club’s Australian representative Michael Smith.
“He has been patiently handled throughout his career by Team Hawkes and was given an exceptional ride by Hugh Bowman. This was only his second career start and he is starting to showcase his potential. It is exciting to see him win in this manner today and to know that he is a colt with further upside.”
Broken Hill is a graduate of Segenhoe Stud’s exceptional breeding programme. The colt is the latest notable graduate from the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale which was exclusively held online. He joins an honour roll for China Horse Club, Newgate Farm and partners which already includes the G1 Golden Rose winner In The Congo and G2 BRC Sires Produce Stakes winner Tiger of Malay.
Broken Hill was slow out of the starting gates by a step but Bowman quickly had him up on the pace from his inside barrier. Upon settling, the dark brown colt was rolling along behind the leader on the fence. Bowman bided his time early in the straight before seeing a gap opening, deftly inching Broken Hill out and bursting clear. On the line the colt was easing down to win by about a length and a half.
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