There is movement at Kitchwin Hills for the word has passed around that the dam of a Derby favourite had got away.

She had joined the wild bush polo horses, she was worth who knows what.  So all the cracks are invited to gather to the fray. (With apologies to Banjo Paterson.)

Turnitup’s win in Saturday’s Group 3 Grand Prix (2200m) at Doomben has him as one of the favourites for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.

If the Dane Shadow gelding Turnitup wins the Derby, Kitchwin Hills needs his NZ bred dam No Finding (Hula Chief) back in the breeding barn at the stud.

Last seen in 2007, No Finding is believed to be running with a herd of 100 polo mares and four stallions, who roam like brumbies in more than 1200 hectares of bush in the Upper Hunter Valley.  Kitchwin Hills stud manager Mick Malone and staff have scoured the nearby hills to no avail for the mare, whose value has sky-rocketed in the past four years.

The horseman deemed most responsible for No Finding’s safe return will be rewarded with a 30% stake in the mare, as well as $1,000 cash for his troubles.

Kitchwin Hills will put on a damper and stew for all participants at the conclusion of the ride and is most grateful to James Archibald of Glenugie Station for his generous cooperation in the search for No Finding.

When:  1pm Friday, June 10

Where:  Kitchwin Hills office, Waverley Rd, Scone, 2337.

Register at:  chivornne.kitchwin@bigpond.com or (02) 6545 8065

Registration:  All riders will need to register on the day before participating in the ride.

Numbers:  Limited and restricted to experienced riders.