Hay Presto inspired at Wyong

A change of scenery could have been the catalyst for Hay Presto to win his maiden at Wyong on Thursday.

Hay Presto (4g Statue Of Liberty – Sing Hallelujah by Is It True) is a younger brother to champion sprinter Hay List and was racing first time out for trainer John McNair after unplaced runs in NSW and Victoria for Team Hawkes.  He jumped straight to the front in the Repelec Aussie Duct Maiden (1000m) and prevailed by a neck from odds-on favourite Lil’ Lucky.

McNair prepared Hay List for owner-breeders Terry and Liz Davenport and he was an inspiration for connections fighting chronic leg injuries and iconic mare Black Caviar.

Hay List was buried standing up at McNair’s Gosford stable in February.  A 600kg powerhouse, he was a crowd favourite winning 15 races and banking over $2.55 million for the Davenports.

The Perth couple also race Hay Presto – a Hay List lookalike – and have retained Sing Hallelujah’s 2yo filly by So You Think.

Jockey Glyn Schofield said it was McNair’s horsemanship that led to the win.  “The horse came to John from a top yard but he took all the gear off and decided to start again.  It’s a real thrill to wear these colours again.”

Statue Of Liberty (Storm Cat) has been based at Eliza Park International since 2009 and is available for an $11,000 (inc gst) service fee at Kerrie this year.

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