Western Australia’s best pacer and leading chance in the 2015 TabTouch Inter Dominion Perth was handed a career ending blow last night. A tendon injury will see David Hercules retire from harness racing just 10 weeks out from Australasia’s greatest harness racing event.
This was to be David Hercules third attempt at an Inters crown, having competed in 2012 and earlier this year in NSW. Trainer David Thompson said in an interview recently the horse meant everything to him. “He’s Part of the family, the chances of finding another one like him are slim”
The 9yo son of Artesian last saw victory in June this year with a win in the $50,000 Pinjarra Cup, taking his career earnings to over $1.2m. The Byford based gelding was well travelled, having made the trip to the eastern states six times. From those interstate raids he walked away with 2 VicBred Super Series finals and a 4yo Breeders Crown Final.
At home he was a hero. His first win was at Gloucester Park in just his third start, with big race success coming soon after – taking out the Sales and Champagne Classics as a 2yo. In his 3yo season he took out the Group 3 Caduceus Club Classic and the Group 3 Western Gateway before heading over east.
As a 4yo the pacer saw success in the 4yo Classic and the Manea Classic before going to Melton for two Group 1 wins. A long list of consistent free-for-all performances followed, culminating in a dominant win in the $250,000 Fremantle cup in 2015.
Trainer David Thompson said the horse had seen his fair share of issues, having gone under the knife a few years ago to fix a breathing issue, and having treatment for sore joints since he was 2 years old. “He’s never let us down, anytime he may not have lived up to expectations there has normally been something wrong”
Herc will head to a breeding farm where he will accompany young foals after being weaned off their mother.
by Scott Hamilton