Coal Crusher wins The Hunter

NEWCASTLE – Coal Crusher is not the best horse in trainer Joseph Pride’s stable, but he might be the best loved.

The eight-year-old carved a slice of history at Newcastle when he became the first dual winner of the A$1 million (S$847,000) Group 2 The Newcastle Herald Hunter (1,300m) on Nov 15, backing up his success in 2023.

While the son of Turffontein had not tasted victory since then, he had placed in several stakes races, including the 2024 The Hunter in which he finished third to the Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained Briasa.

Coal Crusher is strapped by Pride’s son, Brave, who is a vital cog in the stable and has an unflinching bond with the gelding.

The 19-year-old described his win in Newcastle’s feature event as the highlight of an incredible spring, which has included Group 1 successes with Ceolwulf and Attica.

“He is like no other horse I’ve looked after. He is so special to me,” he said.

“He’s by Turffontein. He wasn’t meant to be any good but he’s just so tough.

“I’ve been part of some amazing wins this year with Attica and Ceolwulf and this is the best. I love this horse.”

The fighting victory was the 10th win in Coal Crusher’s ($25) 46-start career.

His stablemate Accredited (Andrew Adkins) made late ground along the inside to give Pride the quinella, while the Kris Lees-trained local sprinter Brudenell (Tim Clark) finished third.

Trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, Yorkshire (Zac Lloyd) started as the favourite, but the Snitzel gelding was caught wide throughout and eased down late, trailing the field home.

The winner was ridden by Chad Schofield, who combined with Pride to land the Group 1 Champions Mile (1,600m) with Ceolwulf at Flemington on Nov 7.

The South African-born rider said he was confident in Coal Crusher once the chestnut gelding found the front and relaxed.

“He broke well but he didn’t show as much gate speed as he usually does, so I just had to urge him along to establish the lead,” said Schofield.

“Once I got there, I actually had it quite soft for the first 600 metres.

“I was quite confident when I banked those cheap sectionals early because I knew he’d give me a really strong last 600 and that’s the horse’s asset.

“He’s tough as nails. He is a lovely old horse, and he was spot-on today.”

While Coal Crusher will be nine in 2026, Joe Pride said the horse can continue to relish racing and he sees no reason he cannot return for another shot at The Hunter in one year’s time.

“This is his race. I’d love to think we could have him back for it again next year,” he said.

One race earlier, emerging three-year-old colt Green Spaces stamped himself as a carnival horse of the future.

Jockey Rachel King admits she is not sure where the ceiling lies for the son of Street Boss, after his barnstorming win in the A$250,000 Group 3 NZB Spring Stakes (1,600m).

Having just his sixth start, the colt was sent out a $25 chance and unleashed a blistering turn of foot over the final stages to put three lengths on Bird Whistle (Braith Nock), with Long Legs (Tyler Schiller) sticking on well to hold on to third.

Trained by Bjorn Baker – who has also produced Pericles to win the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1,400m) and finish second in the Champions Mile for powerhouse outfit Godolphin this spring – Green Spaces is set to be spelled ahead of an autumn carnival bid, and King is excited about his future.

“He’s a lovely horse. He’s got that great, natural ability, he’s got a fantastic attitude, and he’s still learning,” she said.

“He hit the front and still had a wander today. I felt like, if something had come to him, he would have shown he had plenty more there. I like a lot about him.

“He is becoming more professional every time he steps out so if he keeps going on the upwards trajectory that he is, I don’t know where he will end up.”

Green Spaces began his career with trainer James Cummings, winning at Geelong in April before transferring to Baker at the start of the season when Godolphin moved to a public training model. RACING AND SPORTS