War Machine claims emotional Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap success
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In a performance packed with power and poignancy, War Machine delivered an emotional win in Saturday’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, securing a maiden elite-level success for the Hayes training trio while honouring two late New Zealand racing identities.
The win came just days after the passing of esteemed bloodstock agent Michael Wallace, who sourced War Machine’s dam Caserta for his family. The four-year-old gelding was bred by MDJ Bloodstock and raced in the ownership of the Wallace family, who were dealt another blow earlier this year with the death of the horse’s original trainer, Mike Moroney.
Now under the care of Ben, Will and JD Hayes, War Machine has gone undefeated in three starts since joining their team. Saturday’s success followed an effortless BRC Sprint win and Benchmark 100 victory at Caulfield. The form stood up earlier on the Stradbroke program when Pier—third in the BRC Sprint—won the Listed Wayne Wilson.
Ridden by Tim Clark for the first time, War Machine was given a perfect run in transit, tracking into the race wide with cover. He struck the front at the top of the straight and held off late challengers Yellow Brick, Private Eye, and Desert Lightning to win by three-quarters of a length.
“He let rip, really let rip,” said Clark. “Maybe just wandered a little bit late, but he felt Yellow Brick coming and surged again. He’s a special horse and credit goes to the team for having him spot-on.”
For the Hayes stable, the win carried immense emotional weight.
“This one means a lot,” Ben Hayes said. “The Wallace family bred this horse and have had a tough time recently. This win is for them, and for Mike Moroney—he was such an important part of this horse’s journey. We’re just privileged to be involved.”
War Machine’s journey began after being passed in twice at Karaka. He was broken in by Jim Wallace and won a Foxton trial by six lengths before being privately purchased by agent Steven Pinfold. The gelding showed early promise, running well in the Golden Eagle before targeting the Stradbroke—a plan put in place by Moroney before his passing.
“Mike said he might be one of the best horses he’d trained,” Pinfold recalled. “He believed in him from day one.”
2025 Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap Replay – War Machine
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