Racing
Here To Shock wins Listed R.M. Williams Testa Rossa Stakes: Post Race Trainer and Jockey Quotes
Trainer and jockey quotes following Here To Shock winning the Listed R.M. Williams Testa Rossa Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
Race Result:1st: Here To Shock (B, W & J D Hayes/M Zahra) - $5.502nd: Persian Spirit (S Wilde/H Coffey) - $2.90 fav
3rd: Big Swinger (C Littlefield/B Allen) - $4.40
Winning Time: 1:24.28 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: Short-Head x 4-1/4L
esta Rossa Stakes I Here To Shock
Here To Shock narrowly sees off Persian Spirit, who was absolutely jumping out of the ground into second A brilliant front-running ride by Mark Zahra.
Ch. 78/68, Foxtel 529, Kayo or via our app
REPLAYS: https://t.co/ZIa4a02wC0 pic.twitter.com/EoMx7Vn8Ow
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 29, 2025
Winning Trainer: Ben, Will and J D Hayes (Ben speaking)
Put best jockeys on: "It was a great ride by Mark. He really helped him out of the gates, got him to relax, got him into a lovely rhythm. The little bit of give helped him too. Carrying topweight, and giving a big kick like he did, it's just a big thrill. Well done to the team and he's been a great horse for the ownership group. We've had a good run with him and it's good to get another win for them."
Freshened over Cup time: "He got punished a little bit for winning the Group 1 over in New Zealand and he's now carrying topweight in every race he goes to. He was running against some very good horses and we just thought we would freshen, miss the Flemington carnival and look to target a race like this. The plan is is to go to the $1 million race, the Supanova. He's definitely put his hand up for that."
Winning Jockey: Mark Zahra
Did you think could control in that manner?: "I wasn't sure. When there were a few scratchings, I thought his best chance was to let him bowl along in front. He had been racing against some of the better horses, in behind, so I just let him be happy. He got out well, cruised along in front and when I asked him at the 600 (metres) he gave me a good feel, and then again at the 400 and then we just had to hang on for grim death in the last 200 metres, but he was able to do so."
Sense of Persian Spirit: "Not at all. I could feel one that wouldn't drop off, and it was him. Full credit to him with the 60 kilo's, he deserved the win."
Good job managing him: "That's right. When you look at him you could think he's going no good this prep, back in grade, keep the horse happy, and to win like that, full credit to them."
