Hearts begin to race as Houtzen steps up
IT will be party central at the Gold Coast Turf Club today when racegoers celebrate fantastic filly Houtzen’s appearance in the $10 million The Everest at Randwick.
Houtzen, who is trained by Gold Coaster Toby Edmonds and has local jockey Jeff Lloyd in the saddle, is chasing the $5.8 million first prize in the world’s richest horse race run on turf.
The three-year-old’s racing colours of black and grey will be on show around the Aquis Park track today for the Gold Coast Turf Club’s eight-race meeting.
Club chairman Brett Cook said there would be promotional activities – including Houtzen hats and prizes – to coincide with the filly’s step up racing at the elite level.
“If Houtzen wins, every patron on course will be well looked after,” Mr Cook said.
“Having a horse in the race and with Aquis’s connection to both the club and Houtzen is terrific and it can be a win for all three parties with a bit of luck.”
Houtzen was bought at the 2016 Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $105,000 and has since won $1,559,600 in prizemoney.
The filly won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January on her home track and has had two runs this preparation, including a win at Group 3 level in Melbourne at her latest start.
Magic Millions managing director Vin Cox said it was a big day for the Gold Coast racing industry.
“It would certainly be the biggest race in terms of prizemoney that a Gold Coast or Magic Millions horse has been involved in,” Cox said. “We are particular proud of Houtzen’s feats to date.
“The fact that she is trained on the Gold Coast, pretty much owned on the Gold Coast and with Jeff Lloyd also living on the Gold Coast it’s a wonderful local story.
“The enormity of the race has caused waves around the racing world. Having just been overseas the talk and the interest is astounding.”