Here To Shock has provided Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes with their first international Group 1 victory with success in New Zealand.
The rising eight-year-old was targeted at the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday and pulled off the ambitious trip.
Ben Hayes said Saturday’s race came under consideration for the gelding after scoring in the inaugural running of The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham in December.
“We were thinking after the Supernova of where we would take him,” Hayes said.
“The race we were thinking of was taking on Mr Brightside today, but we had a chat with Rob Slade and because he’s such a good traveller, he’s in form with good residual fitness on his side, so we decided to head there.
“It looked a good race for him to get a Group 1 to his name. We thought it was the right race to target and now he’s a Group 1 winner.”
Here To Shock was quickly into stride under Nash Rawiller who had the gelding travelling on the speed, although he was a little keen.
Taking the lead soon after straightening, Here To Shock raced clear for a commanding win to give the Hayes brothers there first Group 1 win on international soil.
“It’s a huge thrill,” Hayes said.
“He’s been a superstar horse for our stable since we got him.
“That’s a massive thrill. It’s the first international Group 1 win for Lindsay Park in our partnership.
“Nash has a really good bond with this horse, he’s got a great record on him. He was a little bit keen in the run today, but he did everything right.
“I’m shaking, J D’s thrilled as well. It’s a massive result.”
