It’s a long way from the bright lights of the metropolitan tracks around the country to Victoria’s far north-east region, but former top pacer Hurricane Harley is taking it all in his stride.
Bred and raced by Anne and Bill Anderson’s Lauriston Bloodstock and trained by Emma Stewart, the Bettor’s Delight gelding distinguished himself in elite company throughout his seven-year career, defeating the best pacers in commission.
Among his greatest successes were the Breeders Crown 2YO and 4YO Finals, the Paleface Adios Sprint, Mount Eden Sprint, Casey Classic, Hamilton Cup, WA Howard Porter Memorial and numerous free-for-alls.
In all, he won 26 races with 12 placings from 74 starts for $729,200 in stakemoney.
Hurricane Harley was retired from racing in October 2024.
“He wasn’t interested in racing at the end. He had had enough,” Anne Anderson said.
“We got him gelded, gave him a good spell and then we spoke to Kima Frenning (Harness Racing Victoria’s Racing Partner & HERO Ambassador) about finding a forever home for him.
“Kima actually drove him in four of his wins and she just loved ‘Harley’, so she had a real purpose in finding him a good home.
“She made it a personal thing to get him into Mitch Fox’s academy at Cavalier Park.”
Fox and his wife Brooke are dab hands at retraining retired racehorses for the showring and other disciplines from their base at Balmattum, near Euroa.
“We had Kasbah Kid with him. He does a wonderful job with the retired horses,” Anne stated.
“They are Show people and their horses always look immaculate.
“They fell in love with him too. They take him out hunting in the Strathbogie Ranges. He wasn’t worried about the hounds or anything like that, he just needed a purpose,” Anne said.
“Harley loves what he is doing.
“He adapted very well to being ridden because he had been ridden bareback before at Emma and Clayton’s.”
Harley Hanover is soon to be readied for the Agricultural Show circuit.
Anne said: “I’m looking forward to seeing him on the Show circuit when the season gets underway later in the year.”
“He’s off the track and he’s won his Group One’s and now he might be in the show ring winning again hopefully.”
