Searching for the next superstar

CROOKWELL horseman, Brad Hewitt has made his way into the top echelon of trainers, enjoying wonderful success in harness racing.

But last week marked the end of a partnership between man and horse that is tinged with a touch of sadness.

After showing Hewitt signs of “having enough”, his mighty pacer Spare Me Days, who put his trainer-driver on the map, was retired from the racetrack.

“He was no superstar but to us he was a champion and did so much for Milly and me,” said Hewitt.

“We bred him, and he earned us more than $430,000 which gave us the money to build our own stables and buy some nice horses.”

So, it was with a tinge of sadness that Brad and Milly Hewitt farewelled their favourite horse, who headed to Judy Frisby’s property near Bathurst, where he will now be trained to become a showhorse.

“I rarely become emotional over horses but I have to admit that I shed a tear or two when he left here last week,” said Hewitt.

“But I know he is in good hands and that Judy will grow to love him as much as we do.

“It would be nice to think I could get another one as good as Spare Me Days; he is the best horse I have trained, and it will be hard to replace him.”

Hewitt will now look forward to some of the well-bred younger stock that he has in his stables and tonight travels to Penrith, where he has two of those juveniles engaged at the meeting.

His first runner is Icanbolt (Race 6) raced by a group of long-term Hewitt stable clients that includes Canberra Raiders’ captain, Jarrod Croker.

He made an impressive debut at Bathurst in February when he scored a comfortable all-the-way win.

His next run was in the Sapling Stakes at Menangle, where he finished unplaced and was then sent for a spell.

The second of Brad’s two-year-olds racing tonight is Arma Renegade, a filly that was an impressive Bathurst winner in March, when she rated a fast 1.55.6.

“They are both very handy and whatever they do tonight, they will improve on,” said Hewitt.

“But in saying that they should go close to winning.

“I am aiming them up for the Breeders Challenge heats here in a fortnight.

• MICHAEL DUMESNY