The NZB Ready to Run Sale is never short of graduates flying the flag on Group One stages in Australia. With the 2025 edition at Karaka now less than six weeks away, War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) has put his hand up to continue that trend this spring.
Passed in with a $100,000 reserve at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale, War Machine added Saturday’s A$300,000 Group Two Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington to his outstanding record. He has now had 14 starts for seven wins, four placings and A$2.66m in stakes – more than 30 times his Ready to Run Sale reserve.
War Machine was transferred into the care of Ben, Will and JD Hayes following the passing of respected trainer Mike Moroney earlier this year. The Lindsay Park team guided War Machine through a coming-of-age autumn and winter campaign that culminated in Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) glory in Brisbane in June.
That saw War Machine join Antino (NZ) (Redwood), Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock), Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth), Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) as the sixth Ready to Run Sale graduate to win at Group One level in Australia during the 2024-25 season.
After almost four months off the scene following his Stradbroke success, War Machine resumed under a testing 60-kilogram topweight in Saturday’s Gilgai.
He was confidently ridden by Blake Shinn, who had him cruising along in the slipstream of second favourite Star Patrol (Starspangledbanner) before angling across heels into clear air on his outside.
War Machine swept past Star Patrol under a hands-and-heels ride from Shinn, and he drew clear to win by two lengths. His time for 1200 metres was a quick 1:08.53.
“He’s a really special animal and he is a pleasure to train,” Will Hayes said. “Very proud of the horse carrying 60 kilos first-up down the straight today. He has thrived in the country environment and he can get a bit up on his toes, so he has relaxed in his trackwork. He has been nothing but a blessing for us.
“Blake wanted to follow Star Patrol the way through to get cover, and it was an easy watch from a long way out. It was a well executed plan.”
War Machine’s impressive performance caught the eye of slot-holders for the A$20m Group One The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 18. The Hayes brothers’ Hong Kong-based father David is already a confirmed participant in that mega-rich sprint with Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress). The New Zealand-bred superstar and reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year is heading into the race as a hot favourite.
Following Saturday's impressive win, Coolmore Australia announced a partnership with Rupert Legh and his partners, confirming War Machine for a place in The Everest 2025.
“Coolmore has a long standing relationship with the Hayes family and we’re delighted to team up with Ben, Will and JD for our slot in The Everest this year,” said Coolmore Australia's Tom Magnier.
“Similarly, there are very few people that put as much into racing as Rupert Legh, so it’s great to offer him and his partners a place in this great race. The last two winners of the race have come through the Stradbroke, so it’s a proven formula, and we’re looking forward to what promises to be another great edition of the race.”
Shinn has no doubt that War Machine can make his presence felt in The Everest.
“We felt that he might be able to make a statement for The Everest today and there might be a few people knocking,” he said. “Aside from Ka Ying Rising, it might be an open race, and he wouldn’t be out of place in an Everest. He’s got so much upside. Let’s see what happens.
“Everything went to plan today. Drawing 17, I felt we’d be able to follow Star Patrol and he could take us where we wanted to go.
“I wanted to conserve his energy for as long as possible with the 60 kilos. He travelled strongly, but not too keen. I waited until just prior to the clock tower to really push the button and I knew he’d be there for me. Well done to the Hayes boys and their team.
“He’s a Group One winner and I think he’s come back better this prep. It is exciting for Rupert Legh (owner) and his whole crew and it is nice to kick off his campaign here today.”
The 2025 edition of the Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 10am (NZT) on Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 November, with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on Monday 13 & Tuesday 14 October.
