Wanganui Guineas Winner for Proisir

Media Release - Saturday September 4

Underrated three-year-old Soldier Boy caused a minor upset when he took out the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1340m).

The Gavin Sharrock-trained son of Proisir was having his fifth start and first since catching the eye when running home late in the piece in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni back in April.

Soldier Boy races to victory in the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1340m) Photo Credit: Race Images - Grant Matthew

Handled patiently by rider Kate Hercock, Soldier Boy jumped nicely from barrier eight before being restrained to sit in behind a steady speed set up by Cambridge visitor Whiskey.

Hercock bided her time approaching the home bend before pouncing on the lead early in the run home. Soldier Boy responded well to Hercock’s urgings as he comfortably held out a late charge from race favourite Yeaboi, with debutant Princess Biddy battling gamely for third.

Advertisement

Sharrock was feeling confident heading into the race, although he couldn’t believe the ease of the victory.

“He went some nice races as a two-year-old without winning, but I knew he was only going to get better at three,” Sharrock said.

“He was just so brilliant at jumpouts and the like last season, so I decided to give him a few starts, but since he has had the winter break, he has really furnished into a standout.

“He was ready to go today off the back of some good hard gallops, but will take a heap of improvement.

“Kate came back in and said she couldn’t believe how easily he did it all as he was just bolting turning for home.

“He’s bred to get further as he is the full brother to Vancooga who ran second in the New Zealand Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) for us.”

Sharrock will take his time as he plots a spring and summer campaign for his charge, with races like the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and possibly the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) as longer-term targets.

“I’m going to take him home now and have a think about his programme over the next wee while as we have got some big plans for him,” he said.

“The owners are very keen to get to Riccarton for the 2000 Guineas and I think he looks like a Derby type so that will also be in our thinking.

“I will see how he comes through this one, but I envisage we will most likely go to Hastings for the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) if he makes the improvement I think he can.”

Soldier Boy is raced by his breeder Gavin O’Dea, who also bred and raced his older sister Vancooga who has been retired and will visit Rich Hill Stud-based stallion Vadamos in the coming weeks. 

Soldier Boy is the sixth stakes-winner for Rich Hill Stud's Proisir. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - H S Dyke Wanganui Guineas LR 1340m

Wanganui Track: Slow(8) Time: 1:27.04
1
Soldier Boy
- 3g Proisir (AUS) x Forty Love (NZ) (Ekraar (USA))
Tnr: G H Sharrock Rdr: K R Hercock 57.5
2
0.8
Yeaboi
- 3g Belardo (IRE) x Spiffy Iffie (NZ) (Iffraaj (GB))
Tnr: S A Sharrock Rdr: R H Schofer 57.5
3
1.2
Princess Biddy
- 3f Unencumbered (AUS) x Mamasan (NZ) (Shinko King (IRE))
Tnr: C A Bambry Rdr: S J Macnab 55.5
4
1.3
Whiskey
- 3g Burgundy (NZ) x Likeapins (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: S Ritchie & C Murray Rdr: W F Pinn 57.5
5
1.5
Nest Egg
- 3g Reliable Man (GB) x Run To The Bank (NZ) (Bahhare (USA))
Tnr: R J Bergerson Rdr: L J Allpress 57.5
6
9.5
Treasure State
- 3g Trust In A Gust (AUS) x Montana Hilton (AUS) (Brahms (USA))
Tnr: L O'Sullivan & A Scott Rdr: K Asano 57.5
7
9.6
Sha Carri
- 3f Tavistock (NZ) x Zihuatanejo (AUS) (Dylan Thomas (IRE))
Tnr: Craig & Shaun Phelan Rdr: E H Nicholas 55.5
8
11.1
Dreadlock Holiday
- 3g Pentire (GB) x Lacy Lady (NZ) (Keeper (AUS))
Tnr: A R Fieldes Rdr: C L O'Beirne 57.5
9
12.9
Te Poropiti
- 3g Divine Prophet (AUS) x Caramellos (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: B D Rogerson 57.5
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday November 20
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.