Heyricks get reward with "cheeky wee bugger" at Winton

By Jonny Turner 

The Heyrick family waited almost three years for Shergar to break through to win but his next owners might only have to wait a matter of minutes.

After 37 starts, 12 placings and a massive haul of fourths and fifths, the consistent pacer ran to a thoroughly deserved win at Winton on Thursday for owners Craig, Tania and Dylan Heyrick.

In just over a week a lucky racegoer could enjoy the same winning thrill with Shergar alongside the Heyricks.

Craig is the president of the Invercargill Harness Racing Club and has made a share for a day in the pacer available to be given away as part of the club's "Firsties" meeting on May 17.

The Firsties concept aims to give new or casual racegoers and owners an opportunity to experience the sport at a dedicated meeting.

Heyrick is looking forward to sharing the joys of racehorse ownership with the lucky winner.

"We are going to give them the full experience; they'll have a drink in the President's Room and come down to the stables and meet the horse."

"It should be a lot of fun for someone who has a bit of an interest in racing but hasn't seen it through the eyes of an owner."

The Heyricks are dedicated followers of Shergar and rarely miss a chance to cheer him on.

But on Thursday only Dylan was there to get in the horse's thoroughly deserved winning photo.

"We were on a plane to Aussie and there was an issue with the wi-fi, so we couldn't watch the race live."

"Once I got my phone going, it went nuts so I said to Tania he must've won."

"We watched the replay and it was a huge thrill.”

The Heyricks purchased Shergar for $5000 in an online auction in August of 2023.

The pacer has had four trainers in the south, with the horse breaking through for victory from the Lyndon Bond barn with Matthew Williamson in the sulky.

Though the Heyricks realise the horse is not destined to be a star, it doesn’t affect their love for him.

"He was a $100,000 yearling, I went in with one bid as soon as the auction started,” Heyrick said. 

"We love him and we are going to keep racing him."

"Too many owners look to move horses on after they get their first win."

"We are not fair-weather owners, we know that he might find it tough in the next grade."

"He might have to battle around until he gets into the rating 35 grade."

"We know he's not the fastest horse but he is an honest wee fella and he tries so hard."

“Once he is uncompetitive – we have a good home for him to go as a riding horse.”

"He is a cheeky wee bugger and early on that was the biggest thing with him."

"He was always looking around and had to see what's going on around him."

"It was a huge thrill that he could get this win, I just wish I was there."

As well as a racing share in Shergar for the Firsties meeting at Ascot Park, a share in Drummershavtime will also be given away.

The pacer ran second in the finale at Winton on Thursday.