Harness Racing Victoria’s HERO Program has made an exciting addition to its ambassador ranks, welcoming widely travelled square-gaiter Ridgehead Cahore.
The 12-year-old Swedish-bred gelding joins multiple Group 1 winner Villagem and former smart pacer Franco Heir as official life after racing ambassadors.
Ridgehead Cahore made headlines in 2013 when he travelled from Europe to contest the inaugural Great Southern Star at Tabcorp Park Melton under the guidance of Norwegian trainer Terje Melnas.
The Scandinavian trail blazer ran a creditable third in his elimination heat before finishing fifth in the $250,000 Group 1 final behind Vulcan.
The son of Buvetier D’Aunou was subsequently purchased by clients of the Chris Lang stable and continued his racing career in Australia, notching a Tabcorp Park Menangle victory and contesting several monte (ridden trot) events before retiring due to injury.
He enjoyed a pampered retirement in a trail riding home prior to being offered to HERO and is a deserving addition to the program, having secured 24 trotting wins, 20 placings and $246,455 in stake earnings in four countries over 108 race starts and taken a best mark of 1:58.6.
Melnas was delighted to learn that the horse known as “Ridgy” had joined the HERO Program, fulfilling a personal promise that his much-loved star would enjoy nothing but the best in his life beyond the track.
“That is just fantastic, it makes me so happy to hear,” he said. “A big thank you to all who created this opportunity for my mate.”
Ridgehead Cahore has been out of ridden work for the past six months but it is hoped he will step out as a HERO Ambassador early in the New Year.
“Although he looks a little like a broodmare at present, it shouldn’t take long to get him back into shape and prepare him for the next stage in his life,” HERO manager Tanya McDermott said.
“We are delighted to have a high-profile trotter joining two star pacers in the Ambassador Program and it will be an obvious aim to have him at Melton for the running of the 2017 edition of The Prydes Great Southern Star on February 4.”
For further information about the HERO Program, visit www.hrvhero.com.au or follow HRV HERO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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