Racing
Veteran sprinter creates Hunter history
Tough gelding Coal Crusher has ended a two-year hiatus from the winner’s stall in The Hunter.
Coal Crusher isn't the best horse in Joe Pride's stable, but he might be the best loved.
The eight-year-old carved a slice of history at Newcastle on Saturday when he became the first dual winner of the $1 million The Hunter (1300m), backing up his success in 2023.
While he hadn't tasted victory since then, he had placed in several stakes races, including last year's The Hunter in which he finished third to Briasa.
Coal Crusher is strapped by Pride's son, Brave, who is a vital cog in the stable and has an unflinching bond with the gelding, the 19-year-old describing his win on Saturday as the highlight of an incredible spring which has included Group 1 successes with Ceolwulf and Attica.
"He is like no other horse I've looked after. He is so special to me," Brave Pride said.
"He's by Turffonetin. He wasn't meant to be any good but he's just so tough.
"I've been part of some amazing wins this year with Attica and Ceolwulf and this is the best. I love this horse."
The fighting victory was the tenth of Coal Crusher's ($5.50) career, Accredited ($11) making late ground along the inside to give Pride the quinella with local sprinter Brudenell ($41) third.
Yorkshire started favourite but was caught wide throughout and eased down late, trailing the field home.
The winner was partnered by Chad Schofield, who combined with Pride to land the Group 1 Champions Mile with Ceolwulf at Flemington last weekend.
He said he was confident in Coal Crusher once he found the front and relaxed.
"He broke well but he didn't show as much gate speed as he usually does so I just had to urge him along to establish the lead," Schofield said.
"Once I got there, I actually had it quite soft for the first six hundred metres.
"I was quite confident when I banked those cheap sectionals early because I knew he'd give me a really strong last six hundred and that's the horse's asset.
"He's tough as nails. He is a lovely old horse, and he was spot-on today."
While Coal Crusher will be nine next year, Joe Pride says the horse continues to relish racing and he sees no reason he can't return for another shot at The Hunter in 12 months.
"This is his race . . .I'd love to think we could have him back for it again next year," he said.
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