Multiple Group 1 winning sprinter Hay List, who earned plenty of admirers as Black Caviar’s main rival, was sadly euthanised this morning after an on going battle with hoof disease Laminitis.
The winner of three Group 1’s and just over $2.5 million in prize money, Hay List thrilled crowds in his own right as one of Australia’s and the world’s top sprinters.
The huge gelding was often in the shadow with unbeaten champion mare Black Caviar, giving Caviar some of her true tests in Australia.
Haylist compiled 15 victories and placed six times in an impressive career. His last victory came in 2012, defeating the six-year-old defeated Buffering in the Group 1 Lexus Newmarket Handicap. His size allowed him to sprint, but often came against his own fragile body, naturally suffering leg and hoof injuries and breakdowns related to his sheer bulk.
His career was impressive from the start, with the horse completing three consecutive victories at Ascot in three-year-old races. That was the start of eight consecutive victories to start his career and he claimed the Group 3 W.J Healy Stakes with Chris Munce aboard in 2010.
Amongst his other notable victories are a Group 1 Manikato Stakes win (2010), a Group 3 McEwan Stakes win (2010), Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (2010), Group 2 Stevco Challenge Stakes, the Group 1 All Aged Stakes, and the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington in 2012.
Despite never besting Black Caviar, Hay List was a crowd favourite and one race that will never be forgotten is the 2010 edition of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes.
Hay List rounded the turn with a sizeable lead only to be claimed in the final 200m of the race. Both horses finished well in front of a quality field which showed the quality that Hay List truly possessed.
He achieved an international rating of 125, two points higher than current world leaders, and Australian horses, Lankan Rupee and Terravista.
After his retirement in 2013, he spent his days at the New South Wales Central Coast property of his trainer John McNair and his wife Sue.
His regular jockey Glyn Schofield, who visited the ailing horse last month, tweeted his sadness at the news.
“No horse has ever meant so much to me. RIP my big friend,” Schofield tweeted.
Hay List will be buried on trainer John McNair’s Central Coast property.
Play the Game
Guest
Really enjoyed watching him race at his peak.Sad day for all.Great race horse.
Bondy
Guest
BF Its hard to watch greats return form injury I remember wincing when Might @ Power returned from injury and couldnt make it back generally un placing in his runs. Punters do have a heart ...
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I reckon he would've Bondy. It was sad seeing Hay List go round late in his career a shadow of his former self. I remember in his last start I gained hope as he rounded the turn only to fade sharply as the race concluded. Would've been a great battle if he was around today, one of Australia's best.
Bondy
Guest
After posting my say I hypothesised if Hay List was fit and not injured at the time ?, and went to Ascot with BC she fell in there by a nose, I'd strongly suggest he would've turned her over in that race ? ...
Bondy
Guest
Very sad. He gave racegoers a lot of joy, imagine BC without him racing against her there would've been a complete lull to some of her race victories. I think it also shows that he wouldn't of had great trouble disposing of Terravista and Lankan Rupee, I agree with that International rating compared to the incumbents ..
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Well said The Barry. The equine Stuart MacGill is a very good call, as sad as it is today.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Sad day. Destined to forever be remembered as part of the Black Caviar story but was a great in his own right. What could have been if he hadn't been in the same era as BC? The equine Stuart MacGill. That TJ Smith race was awesome. With 300 to go it was almost a "Black Caviar can't win from here moment". She rounded him up and put four lengths on Hay List who finished four in front of the field. One of the most genuinely exhilirating sporting moments I can recall.