Belorum completed a winning hat-trick for owner-breeders Dr Ken Farrell and Dr Dennis Price in the TBV Newmarket Grandwest Hcp (1500m) at Moonee Valley on Friday evening.
The Bel Esprit gelding has been as consistent as clockwork for Farrell and Price and their wives Anne and Carrie. He came to town after wins at Cranbourne and Bendigo and has now won 4 races and been placed twice in 7 starts for trainer Darren Weir.
“We’re very happy with the way he’s going,” Farrell said. “He was a handful as a young horse but has really settled down for Darren.
“Belorum almost died 12 months ago from a massive leg infection,” Farrell revealed. “Fortunately, the skills of vet John Brennan saved him and he was nursed back to health by trainer Monica Cid – she took him to the beach nearly every day to build his strength.”
Belorum (4g Bel Esprit – Shahana by Danehill Dancer) is a younger half-brother to the Farrell-bred winners Now And Zen (Zenno Rob Roy) and Russian Royal (Ustinov).
“We bought his dam Shahana when she was a yearling at the 2003 Melbourne Premier,” Farrell recalled. “I was working and told Anne not to go any higher than $30,000. The bidding went up to $40,000 and we’re all glad she went that little bit extra.”
Shahana won four races up to 1700m and her most recent foal is a yearling filly by Keep The Faith.
The Farrells owned The Wilderness at Euroa before they retired to Brighton. “We were right behind Blue Gum Farm and I always follow their horses,” Ken explained. “I liked a Turffontein filly Phil Campbell had for sale at last year’s Premier Sale and bought a share.
“She turned out to be Fontition!”
Ken was an active TBV member when based in the heart of Strathbogie Shire and he was particularly pleased to win a race sponsored by the Victorian Breeders at Moonee Valley. “Belorum collected a VOBIS Gold bonus for his maiden win at Stawell in January – it’s a great incentive. He was a bit a mad early on but we think he can develop into a Saturday horse.”
TBV WINNER
Ken Farrell flanked by well-wishers at Moonee Valley