News

October Horse Of The Month

1st Nov 2006

William Inglis & Son is immensely proud of its graduates who every month promote our name in winners circles around the globe.

This month we are delighted to recognise the achievements of

FIELDS OF OMAGH

Breeding: 9yo gelding by Rubiton ex Finneto, by Cerreto (IRE)
Vendor: Lynden Park Stud
Owner: No Big Deal Syndicate (M. Bolton, B. Martin, E. Mortensen, B. Smith, L. Wilton, E. Le Grand, K. Gillespie, N. Crowe, J. Martin, B. Cleland, I. Davies, G. Domelow, M. Humphris, K. Leckie, Y. Sutton), A. Sorrell, M. O’Connor, A. Cork and E. Le Grand)
Trainer: D. A. Hayes

Believe in destiny…fate…or just sheer luck? No matter what you believe in, the Gr. 1 Tattersall’s W.S. Cox Plate for 2006 has been run and won and the winner will go down in history as a champion of the Australian turf. Fields Of Omagh, a worthy recipient of October’s Horse of The Month Award can be applauded for his courage and tenacity in a career highlighted by a swag of Gr. 1 victories.

While leading the field out onto the track at what would be his last racetrack appearance many thought the 9YO, although in relatively good form, would struggle to compete with the younger and more fancied brigade of up and coming superstars. In a performance that will forever be remembered, Fields Of Omagh’s finishing burst to come from a seemingly hopeless position was indicative of his utter determination and will to win. Affectionately know as FOO and starting for a record equalling fifth time in the weight for age championship of Australasia, the David Hayes trained marvel brought the curtain down on an amazing career that has seen the war horse race at either Gr. 1 or 2 level for 29 of his last 30 starts. Recording 13 wins from 45 starts, amassing over $6.7 million in prize money, a figure that places him 4th on the all time prize money earners’ list.

When the line was reached it was too hard to split who had won the race, and with race caller and part owner Bryan Martin shaking in the commentary box, the number went up - Fields Of Omagh, number 2 had won the race. “In my heart I thought he’d won, but I didn’t want to be wrong, “ said a jubilant Martin after the race.

A $50,000 purchase from the 1999 Melbourne Premier Yearling sale, it took FOO six starts before he broke his maiden status. Winning 8 of his next 10 starts, it became quite clear that the syndicate of owners had a serious galloper on their hands. A string of persistent injuries kept the FOO away from the track at various times throughout his career, but his zest for racing saw him perform with distinction every time he stepped foot onto a racecourse.

Trained at various times throughout his career by Peter Hayes, Tony McEvoy and more recently David Hayes, FOO appreciated being trained from the open expanses of the world-renowned Lindsay Park Stud, where he was able to go through his daily routine without the hustle and bustle of a city stable. A training style of this nature has been an underlying aspect of the success the Hayes dynasty has experienced over many years, while in more recent time other trainers are slowly taking this on board, with exceptional racetrack results.

Walking away from the track with two Cox Plate trophies, along with a 2nd and 3rd placing in the great race, Fields Of Omagh retires to the newly developed Living Legends Retirement property for former champion racehorses at Greenvale, Melbourne. Spending his days reminiscing with former champions of their day, Saintly, Doriemus, Better Loosen Up, Might And Power and Sky Heights, just to mention a few, FOO’s retirement will be one worthy of royalty.

William Inglis & Son would like to congratulate the numerous connections of Fields Of Omagh for not only their success on the track, but their perseverance and patience that saw him able to compete with, and defeat the best over many racing seasons.