Back to back Derbys for owner Kevin Gordon
It was a case of Deja-vu for owner Kevin Gordon, trainer Ryan Hryhorec and driver Danielle Hill in Saturday’s 2026 SAHRC Derby (1800m) at Globe Derby Park.
The trio won the 2025 Derby with Lochinvar Magic, this year, it was Lochinvar Leader which landed the $20,000 feature.
A $4.20 chance, Lochinvar Leader sat parked before lifting late to grab a half head win from Hez So Royal ($1.30 fav) with B T Captivate ($26), two metres away third.
“Wow,” said trainer Ryan Hryhorec.
“I know how good Hez So Royal is, so to do what he did, my bloke was superb.
“And he did it after only have a 10-day break.
“I said to Kevin after he ran second on August 1 that I would give him a break, but this race came up on the calendar, so he only had 10 days off.
“Last week he did not have any luck when unplaced but tonight Dani (driver Danielle Hill) chose to put him into the race and see what happened.
“He came from gate seven and was caught three wide for 500 metres before being able to sit outside Hez So Royal.
“I knew he would keep coming, even when the leader kicked turning for home.”
Hryhorec said he had liked Lochinvar Leader from the time he had come into his stable in late May.
“He just had something about him, and he has continued to step up.
“Apparently he ran second to the ill-fated star Hollywood Strip in a trial before he had raced.”
Hryhorec said the $11,000 2026 SA Sires Produce Stakes (2230m) at Globe Derby Park on Saturday, September 26 was an ideal next goal.
Winning driver Danielle Hill was in awe of the victory.
“He just gives it everything,” Hill said.
“I know he will keep giving and I try to keep a little bit up my sleeve.
“When the leader kicked turning for home, I still hadn’t asked him for his supreme effort.
“Once he balanced up, I urged for a final surge, and he was good enough to grab the win.
“I just wish he could get a barrier draw – two weeks in as row he has drawn gate seven, the outside of the front.”
Part-owner-trainer Alan Cronin said he had been happy with the effort of Hez So Royal.
“It would have been nice to win, but on the night, the better horse won,” Cronin said.
“My bloke got beaten in a photo in 1:58.7, you can’t be too disappointed, he is still racing very well and has 11 wins and five placings from just 19 starts.”
The pair are likely to clash again in the Sires Produce Stakes.
- Story Graham Fischer
- Photo Walter Bulyga