Hayes brothers in arms as War Machine marches toward Stradbroke glory

By Dylan Mutu

It’s no secret that the Lindsay Park operation has yet to strike in a Group 1 in Queensland, but the stable is hoping that narrative changes this weekend.

This Saturday, brothers Ben, JD and Will Hayes saddle up hot favourite War Machine in what looms as their best chance yet to claim the Queensland major that continues to elude their Euroa-based team – The Stradbroke Handicap.

After some tidy work on Tuesday morning and drawing a favourable midfield gate (13) at that night’s barrier draw for the time-honoured race, co-trainer Ben Hayes is confident in how his red-hot four-year-old has progressed since his dominant Group 3 BRC Sprint victory.

“I’m very happy with War Machine,” Hayes said.

“He worked over six furlongs this morning around 24 or 25 seconds doing it nicely on the bridle and could've gone quicker.

“He had a very good look around and was exactly what we wanted, so, I’m very happy with him.”

Despite the rich history of the Lindsay Park dynasty, the family is still yet to claim a slice of Group 1 glory in Queensland, with Ben, JD and Will Hayes' grandfather Colin, father David, and Uncle Peter all campaigning horses during the winter carnival without success.

The brothers had their first crack at breaking the Stradbroke hoodoo last year with stable star Here To Shock – their first runner in the race since taking over from their father in 2021 – who, like War Machine, earned his spot via the BRC Sprint.
 
Leading for the majority of the 2024 Stradbroke, the six-year-old faded significantly when straightening, ending Lindsay Park’s chances in the event rather swiftly.

A year later, the brothers are back and look poised to turn their fortunes around with a two-pronged attack in the prized feature, as stablemate Rise At Dawn joins War Machine as top chances in the market.

“We've had a lot of attempts, with Dad, Colin and Peter, the whole family,” Hayes said.

“Throughout the whole Lindsay Park history, we've never won a ‘Straddie’, so this is definitely our best chance that we've had. 

“We're very lucky that the horse is in great order and hasn't put a foot wrong, so we just got to keep him together before the race and he should be running very well.”

A recent addition to the Lindsay Park stable, War Machine has quickly made an impression.

The brothers acquired the four-year-old gelding from the Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson yard earlier this year following his second placing in the Listed Hareeba Stakes – and he’s since delivered two wins under their care, including a strong victory at Caulfield before heading north to Queensland.

Ben Hayes said he and his brothers felt fortunate to be given the opportunity to train the talented galloper.

“We were approached by Rupert (Legh) and everyone involved, and it was an offer we couldn’t say no to,” Hayes said.

“Mike is a very good trainer and has enjoyed plenty of Group 1 success. He had a lot of nice horses, and we’re benefitting from that – we’ll do our best to get a result for him.

“We’ve only had him a short time. He came to us in incredible condition from Ballymore, and we’ve been very lucky to inherit him. He’s gone from strength to strength.”

With jockey Blake Shinn out of the saddle due to injury the week after War Machine’s last-start romp, it left the Hayes brothers scrambling for a light-weight rider in the big dance this weekend.

Prominent Sydney hoop Tim Clark is set to do the steering come Saturday afternoon – a choice Ben Hayes is extremely happy with.

“Yeah, it’s good we got him on,” Hayes said.

“He was originally going to ride Rothfire. He was 50-50, but we were able to get him, which is great.

“Down at that low weight, there weren't too many people that can ride it. So, it's great to have him on. He's a great rider and, I'm sure, he's excited too.”

The Hayes team will be in for a nervous wait at Eagle Farm, with all three of their runners scheduled in the final two races of the day.

They’ll be looking to claim back-to-back features, having also accepted with Bankers Choice in the Group 2 Q22 – currently at double-figure odds, with Mark Zahra booked to ride.

Co-trainer Ben Hayes is confident heading into the $6.5 million race day and said there’ll be plenty to celebrate if things go their way.

“Oh, good. You always got to celebrate the good wins," Hayes said. 
 
“The Stradbroke is a big race and it's one of the better races to win in Australia, so if we can get that, we'll just feel very proud.

“We’ll enjoy it because that's what you got to do. In racing there's lots of downs, so the ups you got to enjoy.”