Himalaya Dream has secured his future with the Hawkes stable with a Rosehill win that challenged punters.
A drifter from $21 to $26 in Saturday’s McGrath Estate Agents Handicap (1500m), Himalaya Dream came from near last to overhaul Ammirata ($10) to win by a length.
Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said because the six-year-old had failed at his past few starts when he led, the stable opted to change things up and instructed Christian Reith to ride him from behind.
“It wasn’t such a surprise to me that he won and it was D-day for him,” Hawkes said.
“We chopped and changed a few things with him like tinkering with his gear and also told the stewards he would be ridden back in the field.
“Christian rode him exactly to instructions and it worked.
“The horse has always had ability. They don’t lose that. They just lose focus, so a horse like him is a challenge.
“We have always had a big opinion of him and it’s great for his owners who have been patient.”
Himalaya Dream came to the Hawkes stable from France, where he won two races over 1900 and 2000 metres.
He has won three races over 1500 metres in Australia including a benchmark handicap in February when he beat Saturday’s Ipswich Cup winner Maurus at Rosehill after which he began his run of outs.
“It’s been frustrating but it is very pleasing as a trainer to get this result,” Hawkes said.
