Book 3 Bargain Buy Stars in Championship Stakes

Saturday’s $100,000 Group Two Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie marked a breakthrough moment for a three-year-old who cost a mere $18,000 at Karaka and began his racing career only six weeks ago.

Trained by Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who bought him from Book 3 of Karaka 2019, Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) has now earned $55,875 from three starts to date.

Most of that came in one hit on Saturday afternoon, where he upstaged a highly talented three-year-old line-up and cleared maiden grade in style.

Ridden by apprentice Masa Hashizume, Hezashocka raced in midfield before angling out into the centre of the track at the home turn.

Hezashocka handled the testing rain-affected ground with aplomb and surged into contention, striking the lead inside the last 200 metres. He faced a stern late challenge from last-start Group Three winner Joy Alone (NZ) (Roc de Cambes), but dug deep and held her out by a nose. 

It has been a rapid rise for Hezashocka, who made his debut with a second placing over 1400 metres at Pukekohe on March 12, then finished fifth over 1500 metres at Ellerslie on April 3.

“We were planning to target this race before he’d even started in a race,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “It’s not often that a long-range plan like that comes off.

“Coming into today as a maiden, you couldn’t really say we were confident. But he’s bred to stay and we decided to have a crack at it. That was a big performance today, and we’re very happy to get this result for such a great group of owners.”

That ownership team includes legendary long-time Ellerslie commentator Keith Haub. Despite a long line of previous ownership successes headed by six-time Group One winner McGinty (NZ) (One Pound Sterling), Haub regarded Saturday’s win as one of his most special moments.

“What a thrill,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to stand on the dais a few times over the years, and raced some fantastic horses, but it’s been a long time between drinks. This is probably one of my greatest moments in racing.

“I’m just so grateful to the Clotworthy family for inviting me to be involved and giving me a share in this horse.”