Imagine a champion racehorse returning to its roots after conquering the Australian racing scene, only to face the challenge of rediscovering its winning form. That’s exactly what’s happening with Hezashocka, the Group 1 performer who has made a triumphant homecoming to Byerley Park, reuniting with trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after a stellar career Down Under, can this seasoned gelding still dominate on New Zealand soil? Let’s dive in.
Hezashocka, now an eight-year-old, first caught Shaun Clotworthy’s eye at the 2019 NZB Book 3 Yearling Sale, where he was acquired for a modest $18,000. Little did they know, this would be the start of something extraordinary. As a three-year-old, he clinched the G2 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m), proving his mettle early on. His rapid rise didn’t go unnoticed—OTI Racing stepped in, securing him before he ventured across the Tasman to join the powerhouse duo of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
Under their guidance, Hezashocka’s career skyrocketed. He racked up four more victories and amassed over $1.65 million in earnings, with standout wins in the G3 Premier’s Cup (2400m) and the Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2200m). He also made his mark in elite company, placing in the G1 Champions Stakes (2000m), two editions of the G3 JRA Plate (2000m), and the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m). But here’s the controversial part: was his success in Australia a product of his talent, or did he simply benefit from a weaker field compared to New Zealand’s top contenders?
Shaun Clotworthy reflects on Hezashocka’s journey with pride: ‘It was five years ago that we sent him over to Aussie, and he has done a great job for us. He raced with distinction against some quality horses. It’s just nice to have a quality horse like him back in the stable.’
Hezashocka’s return to the public eye came in a modest 1100m trial at Te Aroha on Wednesday—a distance far from his preferred 2000m-plus range. Yet, the team was encouraged by his performance. ‘He’s a horse that wants to get over 2000m-plus,’ Clotworthy explained. ‘They went pretty quick, and we weren’t sure how much residual fitness he’d retain from his Australian campaign. He hasn’t done too much work here, so we’ll build him up and see where he gets to.’
Despite the uncertainty, Clotworthy remains optimistic. ‘He’s a sound horse and looks ready to work. We can’t fault him, so we’ll press on and see if he still has the drive to compete. If he does, and he brings any of his best Australian form, he’ll be competitive in New Zealand.’
While Hezashocka takes center stage, the stable’s focus shifts to Ellerslie next week, where last-start winner Espadas returns in a Rating 75 1400m race. This five-year-old son of Ace High has been a test of patience, but his 1.5-length victory over 1200m last month showcased his untapped potential. ‘He’s been a frustrating horse to train,’ Clotworthy admitted. ‘We do a lot of his work at the beach in a straight line due to maturity issues. But his recent win was a nice reminder of what he’s capable of.’
Espadas’s connection to Ellerslie bodes well, and the team plans to stretch him out to 1400m on February 21st. But here’s the question for you: Can a horse with maturity issues truly reach its full potential, or is it a lost cause?
As Hezashocka and Espadas prepare for their next chapters, one thing is clear: the Clotworthy stable is poised for an exciting season. Whether these horses can recapture their glory remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—their stories are far from over. What do you think? Can Hezashocka dominate again, or is his best form behind him? Let us know in the comments!
