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Robert Heathcote trained son of Rothesay, Rothfire has already won his first Group One and he’s just turned three. Rothfire has now won 6 of his 7 starts (including the J J Atkins and the Champagne Stakes) with his only defeat at his previous outings when second in The Jewel at the Gold Coast in March.
Interestingly, Heathcote purchased his champion unseen for A$10,000 and then because of an internet phishing scam ended up paying twice for the horse who has already banked A$624,900. The gelding has the potential to win millions before the year is out. Rothfire was bred by Gleeson Thoroughbreds, which is based just outside Chinchilla and run by Wally and Jill Gleeson, in partnership with their sons Simon, Jacob and Tom. Brisbane Racing Club director, Simon Gleeson, said that both Magic Millions and Inglis chose not to include Rothfire in their sales as he was ‘light’ on pedigree.
Gleeson told Aushorse Marketing that, unfortunately, Rothfire's dam - the Hussonet mare Huss On Fire - died last year. Huss On Fire was bought by the Gleesons for A$9500 at the 2010 Inglis Broodmare Sale, going on to produce six foals - three of the winners.
Everest Diaries spoke to Heathcote about his champion gelding and his upcoming Everest campaigns.
Q: What are your plans for Rothfire over the next few months?
A: In his 2YO season, he had seven starts and six wins. He has also notched up his first Group One race. He is so highly rated and that makes him a Contender. When he comes back as a 3YO, we have to prove that he’s at the level required for the Everest.
So the plan is that he will have a barrier trial on the 11th of August. And then again he will have another trial on the 26th of August.
Subsequently, he will run at Rosehill in the Gr.2 Run To The Roses (1200m) on the 12th of September.
At that point, I imagine at that point he will have the (Everest) slot holder’s interest.
Thereafter he will be headed for the Gr.1 Golden Rose Stakes at Flemington. By the time he goes down the Flemington straight, hopefully, he would have been selected for the Everest and his next run will be on the 17th of October.
Thereafter he should race in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes which has a prize purse of A$1,500,000.
Q: What happens in the unlikely scenario that the borders are still closed?
A: If the borders are still closed I have a working relationship with a trainer in Sydney. Even if I am not able to travel to Sydney due to this ever-changing landscape, we will send Rothfire and he will race in the Everest.
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Q: Do you have any concerns about Rothfire’s 3YO season?
A: Of course, Rothfire has to make a big leap in class in his 3YO season but he is a very highly rated horse and that rating is confirmed by rating analysts who look at all aspects of his form and his racing ability. If I can present my horse in the right light I am sure we can hold a slot holders interest. I believe he is a good horse as my as Buffering who won the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan.
Q: Have slot holders already expressed an interested?
A: Yes, they have. Mi Runners expressed an interested before his run in the JJ Atkins. One of the main reasons why they are interested in that last year's winner Yes Yes Yes had a very similar rating to Rothfire. They have recently appointed a selection committee to chose their Everest runner, which I think is a very good idea.
Q: Who would you say is your favourite horse?
A: Well, my favourite horse in the world has to be Black Caviar series against Buffering many a time and I got to watch her closely. She was a class on her own. So I have to say Black Caviar remains my favourite followed by Winx.
Q: Which Dubai World Cup was your first and what was your experience at Meydan like?
A: We have some good friends in Dubai. During my first World Cup, I saw Dubai Millennium win. I was living in London at the time and he was the most one of the most magnificent horses I had ever seen. So I followed his career. And with Buffering in 2010, we saw the Dubai World Cup very close. The year that he won the Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint, California Chrome won the World Cup itself.
Q: What kind of horse is Rothfire?
A: He is an extraordinary horse. He is not only exceedingly fast but coupled with his racing ability is the fact that he is so kind and gentle. In fact his nature is very similar to Buffering.