Super Bowl time for star youngster

HIS namesake has reached the pinnacle of his sport, and at Club Menangle on Saturday night, the equine Mahomes has the opportunity to emulate the feat harness racing style.

An Australian Pacing Gold purchase, Mahomes is named after American Gridiron superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes climbed the highest peak of his field when he led his team to Super Bowl glory in 2020.

Now Mahomes the three-year-old is on target to complete a touchdown in his own Super Bowl – better known as the New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge Final.

A brilliant semi winner last weekend, the Peter Russo-trained rookie was named by part-owner Shane Khouiss who was a high grade rugby player.

“Shane had a couple of names in mind and Mahomes is the one we ended up with,” Russo explained.

“I hadn’t heard of Mahomes the gridiron player, but I’ve since learnt he is a star, and the pacer Mahomes is on the way to being one too.”

It is difficult to argue with Russo’s prediction given Mahomes has already built a solid record of 10 wins and three placings from 20 starts.

His tally this season sits at eight wins and a second from 10 outings!

As for his prospects of Group One glory, Mahomes was dealt a devastating blow in the barrier draw.

Not only has the gelding received gate 10, his main rivals have obviously fared better and will begin closer to the pegs.

“I guess he has drawn close to the pegs, but unfortunately it’s the outside ones,” Russo said. “I have never had a horse with worse luck in barriers.

“They have been cruel to him and the Final is no exception.

“That said, he has been winning from those bad draws and as Jack (Trainor, driver) said, ‘it’s only a number’.

“This is his biggest test of the year and he will know he is in a battle on the night.”

Bred by Wingate Farm studmaster Jake Stockton, Mahomes is the result of a mating between broodmare gem Esthers Light and Tintin In America.

A handy racemare, Esthers Light boasts a perfect record from three starters, with her foals including Group Two winner, Picard.

“I bought and raced her for the last 12 months of her career,” Stockton said. “She was a fast race mare and has been super as a broodmare.

“Picard was her first foal and he’s won in 1:49.4 in America.

“I now stand Tintin In America at stud and have sent the mare back to him, so with a bit of luck there will be another Mahomes on the way.

“He was very impressive with the way he finished to win his semi-final the other night and another run like that will make him very hard to beat in the Final.”

Having recently established Wingate Farm, Stockton’s transition to studmaster is purely an expansion of his involvement, with the horseman still owning a quality band of broodmares.

“My family was involved in harness racing going back to my grandfather who had a stud well before my time,” Stockton said.

“My father was into it as well, but passed away when I was young.

“Once I got old enough to buy my own place I started breeding, with Mataranka Molly my first mare…I got lucky there.

“She had five winners from five starters, including Mach Wiper, and really set me up.

“Now I have 27 mares, with a handful of them Group One producers and a few $1million producers.”

• HARNESS BREEDERS NSW