Erinaceus, no star on the track when trained by John Hawkes and then Darren Weir, is striving for Olympic success off it with his 16-year-old owner Charlotte Conroy.
Now known as Hedge, the 15-year-old Quest For Fame (GB) gelding out of New Zealand mare Hedgehog had five starts for one win and earned $10,000.
Upon retiring in 2007, Hedge’s talents as a jumper were quickly discovered and he headed north to NSW, where he campaigned for a number of years before returning to Victoria to compete on the showjumping circuit.
It was on his return that Hedge teamed up with Conroy, and the connection between the two blossomed. In a mere two years, the pair has won countless competitions and last year Conroy fulfilled a dream to compete in the Junior Australian Showjumping Championships.
On Melbourne Cup day last year the pair won the Youth Olympic Games Qualifier at the Boneo World Cup. The two were the only competitors to jump a clear round over a huge course (1.30-1.35 metres) and, as a result of the win, the pair gained a Certificate of Competence qualification for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The October event will bring together almost 4000 talented young athletes aged from 15 to 18 from 206 countries for a 12-day period—Conroy hasn’t qualified just yet (selections are in May) but couldn’t be happier to have made it so far with Hedge.
She was thrilled with Hedge’s efforts in the competition, even more so as he was the only ex-racehorse competing in a large field.
“Our win on Melbourne Cup Day as the only Off the Track horse in the field made it all the more special,” she said. “All his attributes are a true testament of the thoroughbred breed, and why I love them.”
The bond between the handsome bay gelding and young rider has enabled them to reach impressive heights.
“I am so glad I found Hedge, he has taken me further than I ever imagined,” Conroy said. “He has the loveliest temperament and is so willing to try.
“I really do love him so much and he is a very spoilt boy.”
Already a huge fan of retired racehorses, Conroy is a regular follower of the Off the Track program and enjoys learning the stories of other thoroughbreds excelling in their new careers.
“I feel so lucky to have this horse in my life and cannot thank Off the Track enough for everything they’ve done in facilitating my boy to find him a wonderful new career after racing,” she said.
Hedge and Charlotte have an exciting few months ahead of them, as they journey across the country for a series of events.
"I’m now looking forward to our next start in a few weeks time in the lead up to the South Australian SJ Champs on 6-8th April. Hedge and I will be traveling to Adelaide, our first interstate trip together to compete in the Young Rider Championship. This event is also a part of the National Young Rider Elite Series. Hedge is feeling great and I’m super excited,"she said.