3 Win Wednesday - Hero Worship Loves a Home Win

Bolstering his fine course record, Hero Worship (4 g Xtravagant - Idol, by Fastnet Rock) was too good in the $14,000 TRAC Sports Bar Rating 65 1400 metres on 29 March at Matamata.

Following a commanding Maiden victory over 1200 metres last September, and an astonishing performance in the Rating 65 1050 metres in October, Hero Worship recorded his third win on the home course. 

Last time out, Hero Worship had finished strongly from beyond midfield for a close fourth in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 15 March at Matamata, and appreciated stepping up in distance.

With stable rider Opie Bosson aboard, Hero Worship took up his customary role off the pace, coming from eighth and six lengths astern at the 600m to clear traffic on straightening and storm home to win easily.

On footing that remained Soft5 throughout the meeting, Hero Worship ran 1400 metres in 1:23.1, last 600m in 35.7, winning by one and a quarter lengths, and paid $4.50 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

“He loves the Matamata track and it was a really good ride of Opie's,” said trainer Mark Walker. 

“He's been a good consistent horse to win three times this season and really seems to be enjoying his racing.”

Owned by Te Akau Hero Worship Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $220,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Newhaven Park, NSW.

Ellis also purchased his sire as a yearling at Karaka. Xtravagant (Pentire) became a breathtaking winner of the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), included the NRM Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m), and stands alongside Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel), another Group One winner bought by Ellis, at Newhaven Park, NSW. 

“It was another really good win by Hero Worship,” Ellis said. “He always finds the line and Opie timed it perfectly.

“It's always a special thrill to win races with a stallion that we bought as a yearling and trained to win Group One races, and he's made a really good start to his breeding career with over 100 wins including four stakes' winners.”

Hero Worship was strapped by Hannah MacCann. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz