Written by Paul Vettise
James Cummings has paid tribute to his great favourite Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) ahead of what is expected to be the 9-year-old’s farewell performance in the G1 Seppelt Mackinnon S. at Flemington.
Godolphin’s head trainer has constantly marvelled at the gelding’s appetite for racing at Group 1 level and the outstanding CV he has compiled.
“He’s transcended the normal meaning for what it is to be a thoroughbred and is arguably the best horse Godolphin has raced in this country,” he said.
Hartnell (GB)
"With 13 wins against his name and 22 minor placings, he's got some record. He has an inordinate ability to always be figuring in the biggest races."
Hartnell has triumphed four times at Group 1 level in the BMW S., Turnbull S., Orr S. and the Epsom H. and he has been placed in a further 13 Group 1 contests.
“He means much more than a normal racehorse. He’s tapped into something deeper for all of us and we count ourselves lucky that he came along in our time,” Cummings said.
“He’s tapped into something deeper for all of us and we count ourselves lucky that he came along in our time.” - James Cummings
“I think my favourite early racing moment for Hartnell was his great return in the PB Lawrence S. in August 2017 on the same day Winx won narrowly in Sydney after missing the start.
“Many astute judges thought he might have beaten her if he’d been racing in Sydney.”
Cummings also singled out Hartnell’s G1 Orr S. success and his G1 Epsom H. victory as other career highlights.
“In February last year when he won the G1 CF Orr off a wide run in a messy race, he drove to the line so strongly and showed that he’d returned in great order.
“And his win in the Epsom off a strong pace. He settled many lengths off the lead and joined in really strongly and thrust that noble head forward to claim victory and the 1600 metre track record at Randwick. It was the effort of a true champion.
“He stacks up in an interesting way against other horses we’ve had. He’s not the fastest, not the most brilliant track worker, he’s not the biggest and not the smallest.
“There’s nothing that jumps out at you that says he’s the best, but he certainly has a lot of character and presence. His qualities read like those of a war hero – commitment, integrity, resilience and courage.
“His ability to adapt to different environments and enjoy stable life is exceptional. He’s come up every prep for us, he’s been an absolutely amazing horse.
“He’s done himself proud and we are all privileged to have witnessed the career of an equine statesman.”
