HIGHCLERE WEEKLY NEWS
15/2/2023
It was a busy weekend for Highclere Racing Australia with 3 runners. Highland Cathedral was terrific leading most of the way at Canterbury on Friday night, unfortunately, she was nabbed right on the line and finished third but it was a very promising run and shows when she gets out over a longer trip she will be very hard to beat. She could back up as soon as Saturday over 1900m which would suit her.
Hint of Stars lined up at Sandown on Saturday where he ran 5th. The speed was certainly on, which left him a little flat-footed but he gathered himself and hit the line well. His first run over 2400m and with the benefit of that run under his belt he looks to be in the right direction. He has come through the run well and we look forward to his next staying adventure.
Our last runner for the weekend was Armageddon on Sunday and although it was a little hard to watch from the wide barrier, he was ridden off the speed, dropping back to near last but he came home really well and was a lot better behaved which shows he is also in the right direction and learning what it is all about.
The unfortunate news out of the weekend was the scratching of Caulfield Cup winner Durston from the Apollo Stakes. The Chris Waller stable notified the stewards on Friday that unfortunately, Durston had sustained an injury in his off-fore tendon. He has already made his way down to the rehabilitation centre where he will be assessed and start his rehab. We would again like to thank the Chris Waller team for the great care they take with all their horses including Durston. They found this injury and took action immediately, giving him every chance of a successful return to racing. After such a terrific preparation last year and working and trialling well leading into what would’ve been his return run, it is a hard pill to swallow and we certainly feel for the owners but we hope their patience is rewarded when he returns.
On happier news, Olympic Theatre is back at the Freedman Training stables and looking well. Great House, Bartholomeu Dias and Korolev are also all coming along nicely so we can’t wait for them to return to the track and run over the Autumn/Winter months.
We will continue to keep you updated each week with the progress of all the Highclere horses and in the meantime make sure to keep an eye on our socials for all runners and news.