Spotlight On: Northview Hustler

Another festive period has come and gone, but in many ways, Northview Hustler is the gift that keeps giving.

Eleven-year-old black gelding Northview Hustler has just completed his best season to date in 2024, culminating in eight victories and earnings above $129,000.

His highlights include his victories in the Christmas Cups at both Albion Park and Redcliffe while being placed in the Flashing Red midway through the year.

The Christmas Cups were staged five nights apart.

His overall record now sits at 32 wins from 205 starts while his career earnings sit above $530,000. Almost $350,000 has been earned at Albion Park, the home of Queensland harness racing – where he has won 22 races.

Amazingly, his career in the Sunshine State started with a feature race triumph when successful in the 2019 Flashing Red Handicap in a then-track record time of 1:57.3 for 2647m. The record now belongs to none other than Leap To Fame at 1:55.5.

Since 2000, Queensland has produced some unbelievable open class pacing talent headlined by the likes of Blacks A Fake, Be Good Johnny, Slipnslide, Flashing Red, Mr Feelgood, Cobbity Classic, Washakie, Colt Thirty One and more recently, Leap To Fame is easily recognised as the best pacing talent in the country.

But there’s been others along the way that have forged a wonderful career including the likes Destreos, Avonnova, Home Of Jack, Lanercost, Tip Your Hat, Be Diligent, Lebron, I Am Sam, Turn It Up and current track record holder Blacksadance that have all been regulars in winning open class events.

Now, Northview Hustler sits comfortably in this esteemed group.

The battle-hardened pacer boasts over 15 open class victories in the Sunshine State including several features and competes regularly, sometimes weekly.

When taking a deeper dive into his racing profile since being based in Brisbane, it speaks volumes for his durability.

His list of feature race placings includes the Redcliffe Cup twice (2020 & 2022), Lord Mayors Cup (2021), Flashing Red (2024), Christmas Cup (2022) while being placed fourth in the Sunshine Sprint (2019) and Redcliffe Cup (2019).

Northview Hustler has contested twice in the state’s Grand Circuit event, the Blacks A Fake (2019/20), the Inter Dominion (2023) and the Redcliffe Gold Cup five times (2019/20, 2022/23/24).

Sent across to the stables of Al Barnes from Lincoln Farm in Auckland, Northview Hustler arrived on Australian soil regarded as a highly credentialed pacer.

In New Zealand, Northview Hustler amassed a record of eight wins and seven placings from 41 starts while banking $127,000 before being exported.

Unraced as a two-year-old, Northview Hustler scored on debut at Alexandra Park on December 22, 2016, while he finished fifth behind Vincent in the 2017 Group 1 Auckland Cup.

Northview Hustler was trained throughout his time in New Zealand by highly respected horseman Ray Green.

During his time in Queensland, his list of trainers includes Al Barnes, Jack Butler, Brendan Barnes and current trainer Alanah Richardson.

“He’s such a genuine and durable racehorse. Only Flashing Red ranks above him in my opinion for horses I’ve trained, and that’s why winning the Flashing Red was so special for me,” Al Barnes said.

“He’s all racehorse; he loves routine and company while he loves racing above everything else. He’s a good eater, not big portions but not picky and keeps himself in good order.”

Leading trainer Jack Butler was also full of praise for the ageing warrior.

“Huss is right up there with the best I’ve trained. Such a determined horse and he absolutely loved working on my track, the heavier and softer surfaced really agreed with him.”

In 13 starts for Butler, Northview Hustler won twice and was placed in four other starts including the 2022 Redcliffe Gold Cup.

Naturally, competing at the highest level consistently has come with issues and injuries.

The list includes flexor tendons while his biggest setback came via his nearside fetlock, it was hemorrhaging badly and the Queensland University outlined that normally results in a hairline fracture, but x-rays proved otherwise.

His nearside front leg looks worse compared to all others owing to scar tissue build-up while his hooves require constant care owing to corns.

As a result, he wears aluminium remedial bonded shoes that provide superior comfort for horses with sensitive hooves. It features a soft, shock-resistant, and sole-protective bonded layer that offers pressure relief without compromising support in the heels.

“We tend not to look below the knees nowadays,” current mentor Alanah Richardson quipped.

“He’s the best; he swims every day except the days when he gallops/fast works.

"He doesn’t mind a little bit of licorice - but not often - and enjoys a cuddle, but he’ll let you know when he’s had enough of the attention.

"Caleb ( her three-year-old son) can lead him to where he needs to go, and Huss will stop when Caleb stops and go again when he does.”

Following his victory in the Redcliffe Christmas Cup on December 18, the record under Richardson is phenomenal with five wins and two placings from 16 starts.

His list of drivers includes Hayden, Brendan and Al Barnes, and Adam Richardson while Pete McMullen and Luke McCarthy have both had a drive each.

Richardson leads the way with wins having combined with Northview Hustler for 11 victories while Hayden is next best with 10 wins.

But the strike rate Richardson has with Northview Hustler, which is astounding, his 11 victories coming from just 20 drives!

“He’s an absolute pleasure to drive; his point-to-point speed would have to be his best asset but he’s just a genuine racehorse who knows his job,” Richardson said.

“Hopefully there’s still more to come this year but he’ll be forever in my memory as one of the best I’ve driven. Thanks a bunch Huss.”

Northview Hustler is raced by Al Barnes, Ricky Quadara, Carl Officer and Shane Cappie.

“It’s been an amazing journey with the old boy, plenty of great memories and who knows how long he can keep going but we’ll hopefully just keep enjoying the ride. He’s remarkable.” Barnes said.

We salute you, Huss.