WRITTEN FOR RACEFORM
Former Hong Kong Horse of the Year and three time Group 1 winning horse Werther is back on New Zealand soil following a very successful three year stint in Hong Kong. Returning to former trainer and breeder Andrew Campbell after suffering a suspensory injury.
Son of Tavistock, the now 8 year old gelding initially returned to Lyndahurst Farm based in Cambridge for a six month spell and water treadmill therapy. Werther has been in work at Cambridge track for the last month, and Campbell is excited for the horse's future back on home soil.
"It is every trainer's dream to have a champion horse like Werther return to your stable."
Born in bred in New Zealand, Werther finished second on debut at Trentham over 1000m in 2014 as a two year old. His first win was as a three year old in Awapuni, before going on to place in the Manawatu Classic and winning the Champion Stakes at Ellerslie.
Going on to embark on a successful campaign in Australia which saw him run second in the South Australian Derby and winning the Group Two Eagle Farm Stakes against older horses. After narrowly being beaten in the Queensland Derby, Werther was subsequently sold to John Moore based in Hong Kong.
What was a hugely successful start to his Hong Kong career winning fresh up over 1600m, culminating his eventual win in the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby and QEII Cup, both over 2000m. Hugh Bowman played a significant part in the Werther success story riding five out of his six wins, as well as giving Bowman his first win in the Hong Kong Derby.
Only running unplaced in four of his 20 Hong Kong starts, Werther went on to win Hong Kong Horse Of The Year for the 2015/2016 season, and Champion Stayer for the 2016/17th. The same year two other NZ bred horses Aerovelocity and Premiere won their respective categories.
Having his last start in November 2018 finishing third at Sha Tin, Werther's eventual retirement was the decision of owner Mr Johnson Chen.
"He is absolutely the best horse I have ever owned." Said Chen, "It's such a joy to own him."
Campbell explains Werther's future is heavily dependant on his progress and soundness day by day. The return of stable star Werther has however been a huge thrill for everyone involved.
"His character hasn't changed, you wouldn't think he was an 8 year old. He is very happy and enjoying life back in the stables"
Also trained by Andrew Campbell, Tavistock who is currently in recovery following a paddock injury has sired three other Group 1 winners; Volkstok'n'Barrel, Tarzino, and Tavago. As well as four derby winners across Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
The Bagalollies and Tavistock progeny has produced three stakes horses including Werther, Gobstopper and Milsean. Bagalollies, twice broodmare of the year is currently in foal to Tavistock, while recent prodigy full to Werther include a promising Chris Waller trained filly Toffee Tongue and a colt intended to be sold at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sales.
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