How bloody good is this Queensland phenomenon, The Harrovian?
At Eagle Farm in the $200,000 Bernborough Plate over 1600m, this bloke, THE HARROVIAN (Fastnet Rock-Harrow) ridden by Brad Stewart and trained by Toby and Trent Edmonds, was headed about 43 times in the straight, yet somehow just lifted.
“Look, he’s better if they roll along in his races, and they didn’t go all that quick today,” said Toby Edmonds after the race.
“But full credit to the horse. He has a great following and he goes for a spell now.”
“I know he’s going to get beat some day. He’s not a Winx but he’s a bloody good horse though. He’s just a winner.”
A winner – that’s an understatement. He’s just the Tim Tszyu of Queensland racing.
That’s now 11 wins on the trot.
He not only had to beat his rivals, he had to beat a sustain and robust objection in the steward’s room after the race too.
“I was a bot worried all the same, today,” claimed Brad Stewart. “He wasn’t out of it when they headed him, but he just found again and was strong on the line.
“What can I say about him? He’s just a pleasure to ride. What more can I say,” smiled Stewart.
This Queenslander with a cult following, was backed into odds on favouritism, and has now won 17 races from 30 starts. He has won $729,000 in prizemoney.
He sat on the fence, 3rd pretty much most of the way. Stewart rode him perfectly and decided to stay on the rails as they swung.
He was out in time, hit the front with 300m left but was headed shortly afterwards.
Firstly by GAULOIS then NICCANOVA and probably 30 other horses.
He was gone 200m from home.
But he just lifted, wanted it more and came away to win by a long neck.
He beat Niccanova home, with Skate To Paris flying for 3rd and Gaulois 4th.