Hughie Wallace out to continue family dynasty

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Hughie Wallace will be out to continue broodmare gem Howz Lucky’s golden run when he contests the Off The Track Food & Bev Trot (2200m) at Cambridge Raceway on Saturday.

The four-year-old gelding will be seeking to become his dam’s 10th winner from 11 foals, which includes Group One performer Madisonz Luck and Group Three performer Di’z Luck.

Howz Lucky’s only other winless progeny is Rosemaryz Luck, who has proven to be a standout in the breeding barn, having produced multiple Group One winner Majestuoso.

Hughie Wallace has shown early signs of his family’s brilliance, having finished runner-up in two of his three starts, having been disqualified on debut after breaking at the start.

Trainer Trevor Phillips has been pleased with the way the son of Pegasus Spur has returned following a spell, and he believes he is forward enough to be competitive this weekend.

“I was going to give him a trial, but we are going to give him a race and let him have a quiet one seeming as there are no trials,” Phillips said.

“He is good enough to go around this weekend. He is working very well and he is definitely a big chance in that field.

“He is a really honest fella. When he gets it right, he goes nice.”

Initially in Phillips’ care, Hughie Wallace spent time with South Auckland trainer James Stormont before returning to Phillips, who said time has been a big aid for the gelding.

“Brian Tims was working at the stables next to me and I used to give him a hand. He gave him (Hughie Wallace) to me to train as a two-year-old and he curbed a hock,” Phillips said.

“We turned him out, and while he was out, James Stormont leased him. He eventually came home and they asked if I wanted him back.

“When I got him back he was trotting really nice, he just didn’t have much speed. But a bit of age has helped him.

“He will get better with racing. He is a nice horse.”