Goulburn trainer Brad Hewitt has watched his extended family dominate the Canola Cup at Eugowra since its inception in 1999. Two of Hewitt’s uncles Neil Day and Bernie Hewitt have won the race nine times between them while his father David won last year’s edition with talented mare Holm Three. Hewitt will look to add his name to the trainer’s honour role after Tullow qualified for next Monday’s final with an impressive heat win.
Tullow and Hewitt’s job was made harder after the barrier draw was conducted and the former kiwi came up with barrier six and will start from outside of the front row.
“It is never easy when you draw wide at Eugowra but he did gallop in his heat from the inside so it might be a blessing in disguise because I will be able to nurse him around the first turn,” Hewitt said.
“If you go back and have a look at the Canola Cup results from previous years, it tends to be dominated by horses that race up on the speed so I will have to push forward in the early stages and see where I can lob.”
Hewitt purchased Tullow out of New Zealand after watching him compete in the North Island. After making a few calls across the Tasman, Hewitt contacted race broadcaster Mark McNamara to help finalise the purchase.
“I’ve used Mark to purchase horses from New Zealand before and I started watching this horse and really liked him because of his speed.
“I spoke with Mark and he helped me getting the purchase sorted out, he’ll be calling the Canola Cup again this year which adds to the whole story I guess.”
After galloping in the early stages of the heat, Hewitt thought his Canola Cup plan had unravelled.
“I had my heart in my mouth when he started pacing roughly, he has done most of his racing in Australia at Menangle so going back to the smaller track made it a bit tough on him but I’m sure he will be better for the run on the tighter circuit.
“I always thought he had a fair bit of ability and it took him a while to win his two three year old races last season so I thought the Canola Cup would be a good race for him.”
Tullow will be cheered on by a large group of owners including NRL players Jarrod Croker and Sam Williams.
“There are a few people in him but Jarrod and Sam both have shares, hopefully he can win it for them.
“Holm Three won the Canola Cup for Dad last year, I think Tullow is definitely as good as her if not better and I think he will make the graduation to metropolitan racing in the city.”
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