In this series TDN AusNZ will take a look at Group 1 runners before they were successful on the racetrack; speaking to breeders, breakers and trainers on their formative years. Today, we take a look at Max Whitby and Neil Werrett's runner for The Everest, Trekking.
Trekking
Street Cry (Ire) x Outdoor (Redoute's Choice)
Winner - G1 The Furphy Goodwood 1200m
Winner - G1 Stradbroke H. 1400m
Winner - G2 Schillaci S. 1100m
Winner - G3 Hall Mark S. 1200m
Placegetter - G1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir S. 1000m
Placegetter - G1 Tab Kingsford Smith Cup 1300m
Trekking
Foal/Weanling/Yearling: John Sunderland - Stud Manager, Woodlands
TDN AusNZ: Trekking was Outdoor's first foal, what was the foaling down like?
John Sunderland - Stud Manager, Woodlands: Trekking came into this world with a straightforward foaling, it was Outdoor’s first foal and she was very proud and protective, which is not that unusual for a young maiden foaling mare.
TDN AusNZ: What was Trekking like as a foal?
JS: He was not overly big, light framed and looked very much like a first foal.
TDN AusNZ: What was Trekking like as a weanling? Did he have any paddock mates growing up?
JS: Trekking remained a light framed and petite weanling. He was an active mover with plenty of attitude out in the paddock with his paddock mates. He shared a paddock with another weanling that would also become a Group 1 winner in Kementari (Lonhro).
TDN AusNZ: Did he display any early mannerisms or traits?
JS: All the way along Trekking as a colt was cheeky and could be difficult to deal with at times if he didn’t get his own way so it is no great surprise that he ended being gelded to fulfil his potential on the racetrack.
TDN AusNZ: Can you explain Trekking physically as a yearling?
JS: Although he was not overly big, Trekking was correct and had developed into a strong active moving colt with attitude. From a health point of view he never had a significant injury or illness as a young horse.
Trekking after winning the G1 Stradbroke H.
Early breaking and training
TDN AusNZ: How did Trekking handle his breaking?
Scott Eeles: Foreman, Breaking in: He went through breaking in the normal timeframe and picked up everything very quickly. He was very quiet to handle and relaxed under saddle.
TDN AusNZ: What was your first impression of the horse?
Paul Reid: Assistant Trainer, Osborne Park: Nice, neat colt. Not big in stature but did have a presence about him. He was quite an excitable young colt.
TDN AusNZ: How soon could you see something special in him?
PR: He showed nice ability early on, he went on to win his first start at Rosehill and at his next start he finished a very good second to Trapeze Artist in the Black Opal. Trekking was then unplaced in the Golden Slipper on a very heavy track, he was being a bit of a lad pre-race which led to him being gelded.
TDN AusNZ: Is he a team favourite?
PR: He is a team favourite as a lot of the staff in the Godolphin operation have had the pleasure of working with him, and he has competed at the highest level in NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and WA.
TDN AusNZ: Does he have a nickname?
PR: Yes, some of the staff call Trekking, Trekko.
TDN AusNZ: What is his temperament like?
PR: He was a highly strung colt who wouldn’t of realised his full potential if he wasn’t gelded, now he is a lovely horses that really enjoys his work and stable life.
TDN AusNZ: What do you consider his career highlight?
PR: Whilst his victory in the Stradbroke and Goodwood H. were very exciting, he gave the team a great thrill running third in last years’ Everest.
