The Harrovian finds his second lease on life

By Jordan Gerrans

The Harrovian captured the imagination of the entire racing public during his dazzling career that lifted the galloper from low-grade races in Cairns to some of the highest-profile races in Australia.

Affectionately known as “Big H”, the gelding won 11 straight races at one stage as his popularity grew.

He fronted up in a Stradbroke Handicap, a Doomben 10,000 as well as an All-Star Mile. 

Just over a year since he ran the last race of his career, The Harrovian is diving head first into another pursuit that might just see him performing in front of more big crowds.

Now being looked after by the Gold Coast-based Taylah Houchen, his new owner is optimistic of the popular gelding making an appearance at the Ekka later this year.

Houchen was around Big H for long periods of his career at the Edmonds stable at Aquis Park when she was a stable hand.

She is now training the 17-time career winner in the dressage and showing world.

“Hopefully we can get him to a few little comps this year, we will see how he goes competition wise,” Houchen said.

“We will maybe step out into the show ring at the Ekka.

“We will see how we go.”

Once The Harrovian did run his last race at the Sunshine Coast early last year, he eventually made his way back to his original owner Tom Hedley’s property on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland.

He spent the majority of 2022 at the picturesque property alongside his brother The Grove.

The Grove was also trained by Cairns’ Stephen Massingham for a period of his racing career.

Massingham – also a part-owner of the gelding – originally trained him before he was sent to the Edmonds'. 

Houchen knew Massingham from The Harrovian’s time on the Gold Coast and they stayed in contact once he was retired as Houchen always had a soft spot for the top gelding when he was in work.

“Once they announced that he was retiring and they were looking for a home for him, I put my hand up for as I could not help myself,” she said.

“I just kept in touch with them about how he was going in North Queensland.”

After finishing up with the Edmonds’, Houchen now works as stable manager for fellow Gold Coast trainer Allan Chau over the last year.

On top of her racing work with Chau, she has been busy re-training Big H in the world of dressage and showing.

“Once his flat work is all established, we will probably look at maybe some show jumping, some low level stuff,” Houchen said.

“We will see how he goes at the minute as we will just take baby steps.

“I think he has got it all pretty down packed, he is doing pretty well and we are just working on his flat work and re-educating him.

“Thoroughbreds have only known one thing in their life and that is to go fast, so we are now bringing him back to his paces and starting from scratch basically.”

Houchen describes the son of Fastnet Rock as an “old soul” and as he is advancing in age, he can be a grumpy old man, at times, she says. 

“He is very lovable and a stable favourite regardless,” she said.

After being out of work in a racing stable for over a year, Houchen says The Harrovian is thriving in being back in a regular routine with her.

Kim Duffy – Racing Queensland’s Senior Animal Care Manager – says Big H’s transition highlights a thoroughbred horse’s versatility.

“It is fantastic to see The Harrovian excelling in his life post-racing,” Duffy said.

“It was an absolute pleasure to see this superstar gelding perform on the race track and now we get to see him excel away from the track, as well.”