A decision to run Short out of grade in Sunday’s Hype Landscaping and Washrite Wairio Cup (2200m) paid off in a big way for local Invercargill trainer Anna Hewitson.
Hewitson had purchased the well-bred son of Savabeel through gavelhouse.com in July last year after eight starts in the North Island, and after building his way through the distance ranges, he delivered his maiden success in January over 2200m.
Three starts later, Short put another staying victory on the board, and sitting on a 65 rating, Hewitson opted to run him against the open-class gallopers on Sunday instead of running topweight in his own grade. In the hands of regular rider Kylie Williams, Short settled in a good rhythm behind the leader The Tui Toiler, trailing that runner along the back straight before coming to his outside on the home turn.
Short got the better of The Tui Toiler at the 100m and held off a fast-closing Par Tee to take the Cup by a long neck.
Hewitson was delighted with the result, largely crediting the ride of Williams.
“He over raced a wee bit early, which he tends to do, but he will learn,” she said. “It was a great ride by Kylie, she was absolutely fantastic, and he tried so hard.
“I went for the Cup because he was going to have 60kgs in the (Rating) 65 and he tries so hard that I thought it would bottom him, so I’m really stoked with that.”
Bred by Waikato Stud, Short is out of Sacred Falls mare Taller, who is a three-quarter sister to Group One winner Tiptronic. While he may not have made a big impression on Hewitson on first glance, she eventually took a shining to him and outlaid $1,200 to secure the gelding.
“The first time I looked at him on gavelhouse, I actually thought he was a little bit of an ugly-looking horse, but I kept getting drawn back to him,” she said. “There was something about him that I really liked.
“When you look at the breeding, he’s bred very well, so I had a crack and got him cheaply. He is honestly the coolest little horse to have around, he’s a dude and has continued to improve physically and in his work.
“He’s got quite a few owners in the syndicate, they are all absolutely stoked and I’m so happy for them because they’ve had a few duds, as you do. To finally get one that delivers, it’s really good.”
With three wins and over $50,000 on the board this season, Hewitson is intending to send Short to the paddock at some stage but may look for another suitable race before that time. “I will see what the handicapper does, he’ll be looking for a bit of a spell somewhere, but I may have another go this time in,” she said.