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Heathcote is a racing superstar in Queensland. There’s his Gr.1 Al Quoz Sprint win at Meydan during the 2016 Dubai World Cup race meeting, and now there’s his new stable star Rothfire (a.k.a the “Thrilla From Chinchilla”) who not only returned to racing from a career-ending injury sustained last year but also secured a 2021 Everest slot ahead of many top Australian sprinting peers.
The Queenslander has trained over 1500 winners including eleven Group Ones with stable star Buffering having seven to his name to date over a 24-year career. Ever willing to learn and improve his skills, he sought advice from some of the industry greats in Eric Kirwan and the late Bruce McLachlan. “I made some mistakes, but I was very careful not to make them again and to learn from them,” said Heathcote, a man who imbues his owners with confidence for the industry, through his wonderful ability to communicate and his approachability.
Returning from a fractured sesamoid bone, Rothfire’s remarkable comeback to racing is nothing short of a miracle.
“From the time of his injury until now has been 11 months so it has been a lengthy continuous rehabilitation process,” said Heathcote.
“Initially 5 months at the Emeran Park rehab facility north of Sydney and since then here at the Eagle Farm training centre and Washpool Lodge.
“His rehab has involved water resistance training and dry treadmill work. Basically, it was long, steady and slow-paced work with the intensity of the work rising slowing over many months.”
“There is no doubt the concept of this race has been an enormous success and now creates interest worldwide.
“To have a runner on the biggest racing stage in the world, the richest sprint on turf is extremely satisfying and a source of enormous pride to do it with a cheap racehorse, and one who has overcome enormous physical challenges to get here.”
Buying A Fiery Star
Robert Heathcote showed tremendous faith when we decided to purchase the son of Rothesay. Heathcote then ended up paying twice for the same horse, when he was the victim of a phishing scam.
“I purchased Rothfire from a breeding farm near to Chinchilla Qld. His pedigree was considered not strong enough to be a viable yearling sale entry, so I took the chance and purchased him sight unseen over the telephone.”
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Kennedy Hands Rothfire His Shot At Everest Glory
James Kennedy, executive chairman of the Kennedy Luxury Group, purchased the GPI Racing slot earlier this year and speaking on SEN Track he said he's one-eyed about his desire to win the A$15m Everest and in Rothfire he's confident he has found a horse that can.
“It’s now all systems go for the Everest now that James Kennedy has selected Rothfire for the Everest,” says Heathcote.
“The horse is in great shape, he ran a cracking first up race in The Shorts running 4th place and he is expected to improve on his fitness.
“We believe Rothfire is an ideal Everest racehorse. He has excellent gate speed which can allow him to race handy, he has won a Group One race over 1400 meters meaning a strong tough 1200 meters should not be an issue.
“He has the ability to run the required time to win a high pressure 1200m race which the Everest will be.
“There is no doubt this edition of the Everest will be a cracking race and we are confident we will be extremely competitive.”
“He is sound and healthy and we are excited. The James Kennedy ‘Exclusive Luxury’ brand fits this race and we are delighted to represent this brand on the Sydney racing stage at Randwick.”