Latest News

By Mark Brassel

It’s crunch time for talented sprinter Hidden Hail whose performance at Grafton this Sunday will determine whether he climbs a hill or a mountain next start.

Prepared on the course by Shane Everson, Hidden Hail will be resuming in the $29,000 John Carlton Quality (1175m) which kicks off the rich Grafton XXXX July Winter Racing Carnival.

“After the John Carlton we’ll assess where we go after that – if he comes out and brains them, we’ll look at the Ramornie Handicap [$200,000 Listed race],” Everson said.

Grafton-based trainer Shane Everson. Image by Adam Hourigan

“But if not, there’s a [$40,000] Class Six Country Magic on the same day and we’ll go for that instead.”

Hidden Hail has done most of his racing in Queensland where he was an Eagle Farm winner and in 15 starts, he has produced five wins and six placings.

“Hidden Hail’s dam is Palastrum and I’ve trained a few of her progeny for the owner Brian Purcell,” Everson explained.

“Brian asked me if I wanted to train this fellow and I jumped at the chance.

“He’s only had two starts for me; we were going to spell him when he came to our stable but decided to give him two runs.

“He led throughout at Grafton and then was narrowly beaten at Kempsey, so he’s immediately paid his way.

“He’s a nice horse but nothing has gone to plan due to the wet weather where he missed gallops as we couldn’t get a grass track.

“I was hoping he would have had two starts under his belt by now going into this race.

“Luke Rolls [jockey] has been happy with him in both his barrier trials so he’ll most likely ride him on raceday.”

Everson will also be running Savaheat in the $29,000 Grafton Cup Quality Prelude (2200m) and Sir Boo in the $25,000 2yo Maiden Plate (1000m).

“Savaheat is owned by my daughter who asked me to find a horse for her. He was only $5000 so we think he’ll more than repay that.

“The horse had run some decent races in Victoria before his form tapered off so we thought a change of scenery might help him find his form.

“We were pleasantly surprised by his first run for us at Port Macquarie.”

Savaheat finished ninth in the unsuitable 1500m event and only knocked up over the last 180m when sharing the lead, after enduring a torrid run when trapped wide throughout.

“He was in no-man’s land, and it was a big performance. He would’ve had a run going into that, but Ballina was called off, so he was a bit behind.

“The 2200m will be much more suitable as he’s won up to 1800m at Morphettville. We’ll roll the dice with him at Grafton.”

The last of Everson’s trio, Sir Boo will be making his debut.

“He’s a cheeky horse; we’ve trialled him twice and is a nice type with good owners. I’m sure we’ll win races with him.”

Jon Grisedale rode Sir Boo in his latest trial and is likely to partner him next Sunday.

UPCOMING NSW RACE MEETINGS
Thursday: Murwillumbah
Friday: Moruya, Muswellbrook
Saturday: Port Macquarie, Duck Creek picnics at Nyngan (non-TAB), Mungindi picnics (non-TAB)
Sunday: Grafton, Mudgee