Hawkes all for Group 1 Hollindale

Group 1 winners Shogun Lodge (2000, 2001) and Rough Habit (1991, 1992)

Melbourne-based Hawkes also praised the impending introduction of night racing on the Gold Coast and said it would pave the way for increased turnover and prizemoney.

“I think (night racing on the Gold Coast) is fantastic,” Hawkes said.

“Am I a supporter of racing at night? No, and I hate to say this but Pakenham was such a bloody success and I said I’d never go there at night.

“It’s not easy, it’s tough and hard work because when you get home you’re wound up and can’t sleep. You go to bed at 1am or 2am and get up at 4am.

“But you need to get night racing here because it is going to help this club, no doubt about it. I guarantee you it will because it’s all about prizemoney.

“If we can get the turnover happening, the Gold Coast will be the big winner out of this.”