Kingmakers Syndications has a new racehorse in Sydney with their trainer, Joe Pride. He won his most recent trial, at Warwick Farm, impressively. Fernweh is a 2 year old gelding who was transferred from his New Zealand pre-trainers, Conor & Sarah Fahey of Pukekohe in mid-February following two very solid jump-out performances on both Counties and Ellerslie tracks.
View Trial Win
He arrived in Australia in great order from Sarah and Conor, who did a super job with his early education and jump-outs. Once in NSW, he spelled at Thenford Farm with Tim Miller. Pre-training started after three weeks in the paddock, and he impressed quickly enough in his work to catch the bus into the city. Off he went to Warwick Farm for Joe to get a line on him.
Joe’s initial feedback was very positive enough. He was particularly taken by how well Fernweh had settled in, mentioning that he'd never had a Kiwi horse settle in so quickly in the stable. Fernweh turned up like he already knew the drill, and was very professional in all facets of his training.
After six more weeks, he entered his first trial, a quiet, educational affair, he sat three wide and found the line well for 2.5 lengths sixth over 800m. Ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, who was very excited by Fernweh's action and commented how well he moved.
Fernweh's second trial, 2 weeks on, resulted in a strong effort. He jumped well and cruised through to take the lead along the rail, kicking away at the 200m mark, he came back under a hold and was eased into a nice win on the line in a respectable time of 48.66 seconds.
What’s next for Fernweh will be decided in the coming weeks by Joe. There's no rush, and of plenty of time on his side, he may even have a third trial and spell, or track towards a mid-week 2 year old race at Canterbury Park and then onto a spell. He’s come a long way quickly, and an early 3 year-old campaign looks like the pathway for the striking son of Turn Me Loose, who has a lot of his great-grandfather, Gone West, about him.
Fernweh was offered at the Karaka 2024 Yearling Sales by Highview Stud. A book two colt, he is the first foal of the young raced Proisir mare Harlow, who won her first start as a two-year-old for Te Akau Racing. Following that win, she went to the Matamata Breeders Stakes running fifth in her second start. Unfortunately, she injured herself and only had one more start for a strong sixth placing at Ellerslie.
Fernweh was bought for $50,000 by Kingmakers' Director of Racing, Leighton Howl, alongside Vet Murray Gilmore. He was quickly syndicated and has 16 loyal owners, many are newbies to the sport of horse racing. Leighton Howl has stayed in the group as the Principal Owner, with the largest independent share.
