Cambridge and Waikato Studs Cheer Hanger

Media Release - Sunday January 6

Cambridge Stud owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay continued their wonderful winning streak of late when talented galloper Hanger resumed off a long spell with an eye-catching performance at Awapuni.

Hanger - Race ImagesBred by Waikato Stud, who share in the ownership of the O'Reilly four-year-old with the Lindsays, Hanger was having his first race since finishing runner-up in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa back in April.

Sent out as one of the main fancies in Saturday's rating 82 contest, Hanger didn't disappoint as he bounced nicely from an inside barrier before settling in the trail for rider Leith Innes.

Innes had a lapful of horse approaching the home turn as he waited for a gap to appear before launching his bid at the 300m mark. Hanger responded gamely under a hands and heels ride as he eased past pacemaker Blondlign to score comfortably in a smart 1.09.73 for the 1200m journey.

Co-trainer Robert Wellwood, who prepares the gelding with Roger James, was delighted to see the classy galloper make a winning return to the track.

"It was wonderful to see him come back like that as we have had our frustrations with him," Wellwood said.

"He had a good long break over the winter and we brought him back for some spring targets, but he has had a few niggles along the way which has held him up from making a return until now.

"We weren't sure just how well he would go as he didn't have the benefit of a trial under his belt and the pressure of raceday can find them out.

"Leith was able to give him a fairly easy time of it and he got the job done in fine fashion."

Advertisement

Wellwood advised the stable would now monitor the horse's recovery before deciding on the next assignment although a Group One challenge is an obvious target.

"He holds a nomination for the Telegraph at Trentham, so he had to have a run if he is going to take on that challenge," he said.

"Provided he comes through this run okay then we will make a decision if that is the best option for him.

"With the set weights and penalties criteria of the race he is not well placed compared to some, but it is a Group One and they don't come around that often."

The Gr.1 JR and N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) is on January 19 at Trentham.

Awapuni proved a happy hunting ground for the James & Wellwood partnership on Saturday as Hanger completed a winning double for the stable after talented, but injury plagued sprinter, Killarney had taken out the open 1400m event earlier in the day. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Friday June 6
Here is the full list of 31 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
A Passion That Lasts a Lifetime
A passion for pedigrees and thoroughbreds is often one that lasts a lifetime and so it has been for one of the co-breeders of Bravery, who contacted me this week following our earlier and very well read story on current 2YO star Cool Archie.
Inglis Ready 2 Race Entries Open
Entries for the Inglis Ready2Race Sale – Australasia’s most progressive 2YO Sale – are now open.
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 Queensland Oaks
Unbeaten this preparation, Philia will be looking to emulate her half-sister Duais in winning the $1million Group I BRC Queensland Oaks (2200m) on Saturday, but a swarm of up and comers are nipping at her heels, so who are they?
SWs in foal to Wootton Bassett and Snitzel headline the June (Early) Online Sale
Stakes winners in foal to Wootton Bassett and Snitzel, along with a significant number of young, well-bred racing and breeding prospects headline another intriguing catalogue for the Inglis Digital June (Early) Online Sale.
Another Day, Another Stakes-Winner for Wootton Bassett
A homebred for Marc Chan, quality Wootton Bassett (GB) colt Green Impact closed out his juvenile season winning the Group II Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown and he bounced back into the winner’s list at the same venue overnight.
Sires With Winners - Thursday June 5
Here is the full list of 36 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Rosehill
There were six heats for juveniles at Rosehill on Friday that featured some interesting winners including stakes-placed filly Horseshoe Hill, a couple of unraced youngsters by Zoustar and the highest priced yearling by Prague.
Brutal Back But Is He Everest Bound?
Newgate Farm purchased an interest in Brutal after he won the Group 1 Doncaster Mile in April and the decision to keep the handsome son of O’Reilly in training as a 4-year-old looks set to pay off bigtime following an impressive return to racing in Saturday’s $500,000 Group II Premiere Stakes (1200m).
First Stakes Win for Shamrocker Brother
Remarkable Kiwi broodmare Bohemian Blues produced a fourth stakes-winner on Sunday to go with her earlier star progeny Shamrocker, Rock Diva and Bohemian Lily.