Ben Hayes comes from a long line of famous Australian trainers. With an easy voice and a warm smile, he has the ability to put a person at ease while simultaneously providing professional reassurance to all those he addresses. His father David, was the youngest trainer ever to be inducted when he joined his father Colin in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2008.
Ben is sure to follow in their footsteps. Hayes provides Everest Diaries with a sneak-peek into Vega Magic's life and Lindsay Park plans for the champion sprinter over the next few months.
Q: What are your plans for Vega Magic?
A: He is going straight to the Everest!
Q: What's changed since last year?
A: We mimicked last year. He ran the 1400m Gr.1 recently. He is now toughened up for the Everest. Next 1200m (The Everest) should be more his style.
Q: What would you say are his strengths?
A: He is a big and powerful horse. He is a 17 hand horse. His biggest advantage that he is a powerful sprinter, with a high cruising speed and that he is able to maintain both speed and power in a race.
Q: Where do you expect him to go after The Everest?
A: We are still focused on The Everest first. We will decide where he is going next. This year we want to if we can take him up to a mile. Otherwise, we have the option of taking him to theManticofollowedby theDarleyClassic, like last year ATC is not only an Everest slot holder but also the host race club for the event. ATC's general manager James Ross is one of Australia's leading racing executives, having seen the racing world through various coloured lenses, during his tenure with the HKJC, Australian Racing Board and the Victoria Racing Club prior to joining ATC. Ross talks to Everest Diaries about their runner Nature Strip and ATC's plans & hopes for the A$13 million Everest event in the years to come.
Q: Are there any thoughts about taking him racing abroad?
A: As stable, we like travelling our horses. If we get invited, we will definitely consider the opportunity.
Q: Who are some of your other stable stars currently?
A: We have quite a few good 3YOs in the stable. Red Coat Warrior, Ventura Storm and many others are all stable stars. We have some who could potentially go up to the Caufield Cup and Melbourne Cup.
Q: What kind of a horse is he?
A: In his box, he is very nice. But once he is outside, he likes to get his work done, alone. He gets too strong with a partner. He is not difficult to train. He needs the right handlers. Beginners can't do it. The stable staff loves him. He is one of our marquis horses and every one is 100 per cent behind him for The Everest.