Skip to main navigation Skip to main content

Business as normal for Caloundra's Stu Kendrick

23 March 2018

Share this page

Share on a platform

Or copy the page link

By Glenn Davis

Selling horses overseas is not trainer Stu Kendrick’s core business but he’ll always be on the lookout for one good enough to follow in the footsteps of Sunday’s Hong Kong Derby winner Pin Hai Star.

Pin Hai Star raced under the name of Ted when trained by Kendrick and won two of his only three starts in Australia before being sold to Hong Kong interests last year.

The Nom Du Jeu four-year-old made world headlines last Sunday for leading trainer John Size when he won the famous HK$18m Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin.

Pin Hai Star has been followed to Hong Kong by another Kendrick-trained galloper Fullazaboot who had one win and two placings before being sold to overseas interests.

Fullazaboot was runner-up in the Magic Millions Classic and Kendrick believes he has a great future in Hong Kong.

Kendrick is a runaway leader in his quest for a fifth straight Sunshine Coast trainers’ premiership but it’ll be business as usual when he saddles five runners on his home track at Caloundra on Sunday.

Kendrick has Lips ‘N Hips engaged in the Class Three Handicap, Liberty Lass (QTIS 3yo Mdn Plate), Mymming (Class One F&M), Aristocat (C1 C&G) and La Chatte (Class Two).

“Pin Hai Star (Ted) has turned into a fantastic horse,” Kendrick said.

“We weren’t sure whether to sell him or not as he always had a lot of ability.

“He was one of those horses who you had to be patient with but from his very first jump out I had him down for a Derby.

“When owners get big offers like his it’s hard to turn down but selling horses is not our core business.”

Kendrick has his eyes on a possible winter campaign for Aristocat and La Chatte if the pair perform well in their respective races.

Artisocat is a son of Americain and was knocked down for $80,000 at the ready-to-run sales in Victoria.

“He won quite well on a heavy track at Ipswich two runs back but he’s first up in this,” Kendrick said.

“He’s a promising horse just like La Chatte who is owned by Darby Racing.

“She’s been working well and I’ve been keen to get her up to 1600 metres.

“Unfortunately, wet tracks have been an issue for La Chatte and I’m hoping the track will improve.”

La Chatte was trained by John O’Shea and James Cummings in Sydney and had her first start for Kendrick when eighth at the Sunshine Coast on March 4.

Racing Queensland webnews   March 23