Champion trainer John Hawkes prefers to watch his stars in Group 1 races from home these days, but he will be trackside at Menangle on September 6.
Hawkes, who has long held a passionate harness racing hobby, will have a runner in the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1mil TAB Eureka, at Menangle.
His exciting three-year-old, Seathestars, today landed one of the few remaining slots in the TAB Eureka, that of Cordina Racing.
It gives Hawkes the historic achievement of having runners in the two richest races of both Australian horse racing codes in coming weeks. His star sprinter Briasa already had a slot in the $20 million TAB Everest at Randwick on October 18.
“Wouldn’t it be something to win them both,” Hawkes laughed. “It’s a big thrill to get Seathestars into the Eureka.
“The thoroughbreds are work, but I’ve loved the trots since I was a kid back in Adelaide and had shares in quite a few over the years with mates.
“There’s a few of my oldest mates in this horse. My wife (Jenny) and I will get along to Menangle on the night with a few of our friends and to fill a table or two.
“It’s easier to watch my (thoroughbred) horses race from home these days, but I’ll definitely head out to Menangle for this guy.”
Hawkes expects Seathestars, a three-year-old with six wins and eight placings from just 18 starts, to be competitive, especially if he lands a good barrier.
“He’s just kept improving with each run, especially this campaign. Geoff (Webster, trainer) has done a great job with him,” he said.
“I’m sure he’ll be better again next year, but the three-year-olds do get a preferential (barrier) draw and with the right run, I’m sure he can be right in the finish.”
Hawkes is also a fan of young driver Will Rixon, who has driven Seathestars six times for two wins, two seconds, two thirds and a fourth.
“He’s really clicked with the horse. He looks like a star in the making, young Will,” he said.
Daniel Cordina, or Cordina Racing, said landing Seathestars for his slot was a thrill and also a coup harness racing.
“If we can help promote the game with our slot, then we’re all for it,” he said. “And with Seathestars, we can bring that thoroughbred connection and some great PR for the sport.
“He’s a horse on the way up at the right time. He won really well at Menangle last start and I think he’s good enough to win it with the right run.”
Webster, one of Australia’s most decorated horsemen, is a long time friend of John Hawkes and has trained the vast majority of his harness horses.
“This is just fantastic. I had Cobber signed and in a slot for the first Eureka (2023), but he went amiss just days before it,” he said.
“To be back two years later, especially teaming up with Hawkesy and his crew, who have been big supporters of mine, is really special.
“Don’t sell this horse short. He’s even better than I thought he was on what he’s done at his past few runs. He can win.”
PHOTOS: Club Menangle
