Kendrick Racing has enjoyed a rewarding 48 hours, courtesy of two Spirit of Boom gallopers.
The pair, carrying the same colours and ridden by inform apprentice Steph Tierney, delivered back‑to‑back winners at Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast.
The double kicked off on Friday (April 24) when King Spirit (below) produced a dominant front‑running display to claim a Benchmark 72 (1050m) at Rockhampton.
Sent straight to the lead, the gelding never gave his rivals a look in, cruising clear to score by an easing four‑and‑a‑half lengths as a $2.30 chance.
Trainer Stuart Kendrick said the performance underlined the gelding’s affinity for the Central Queensland circuit.
“King Spirit showed that he is a real horses‑for‑courses type with another impressive win at the Rockhampton track and ridden beautifully by Steph Tierney,” Kendrick said.
“He went straight to the front and gave nothing else a chance and he was eased down by an increasing margin,” he said.
“He was disappointing the start before with a tough run at the Sunshine Coast, but he showed his liking for the Rockhampton track. If we can find a nice race over their carnival, he might be very competitive.”
The stable’s strong run continued the following day on Anzac Day (Saturday, April 25) when Heart And Spirit (main photo) overcame a heavy track to land the Benchmark 68 (1000m) at the Sunshine Coast.
Starting a $5.50 chance, the filly proved too tough late, scoring by three‑quarters of a length in a solid field.
Kendrick said the win was particularly pleasing given Heart And Spirit’s consistency throughout the preparation and the recent gear adjustment.
“Heart And Spirit showed she is back in form with a tough win in a good field at the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“She’s been consistent this preparation without winning, but we made a gear change and since then she’s run second and then a nice win yesterday.
“She definitely has the ability to match it in town. If she puts in a similar run to that, the horse she beat had won in town at its previous start.”
The victory also carried added significance due to the filly’s pedigree. A full sister to Group performer Jonker, Heart And Spirit’s success further enhances her residual value.
