The 2yo winner-count for Vinery sire Headwater reached double figures this season when his first-starter Hedonist scored a front-running victory in the Ultima Hotel Maiden Plate (975m) on Saturday.
Hedonist is trained by Tom Dabernig for a syndicate managed by Jackaroo Racing and he made an immediate down payment on a $100,000 price-tag on Day 2 of the Swan Hill Cup Carnival. He led out of the gates and Jarrod Fry was content to sit behind Tuxedo Miss (Deep Field) before taking over again coming off the corner.
Hedonist won by a half-length over Menzah One (Calyx) despite proving a handful for Fry in the straight as per the stewards report. “Hedonist continued to hang out under pressure and proved difficult to be ridden out. Near the 300m, he shifted out and bumped Whitson.”
Assistant-trainer Dara O’Meachair reports Hedonist will now go out for a short break. “He showed ability in his jump-outs and we expected a forward showing on Saturday. He’s still new but Jarrod said he did a good job. He pulled up well and will come back in a month for a spring prep.”
Hedonist (2g Headwater – Tango Fire by Anabaa) was bred by NSW-based Hall of Fame Bloodstock and made that $100,000 when offered by Longwood Thoroughbreds (as agent) at the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. He’s a half-brother to Tango’s Daughter (Redoute’s Choice) who was a dual Adelaide black-type winner in the Queen Of The Turf (Gr.2, 1600m) and Nitschke Stakes (LR, 1400m).
The Australian 2YO Sires’ premiership for individual winners is heating up at the back-end of the season with Written Tycoon, Too Darn Hot (GB) and Snitzel co-leaders with 12 winners. Headwater is next with 10 winners and he can add black-type to that 2yo tally with last-start Doomben winner Don’t Forget Jack in the Oxlade Stakes (LR, 1300m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday, June 15.
Vinery stands Headwater for a $9,900 (inc GST) service fee with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
