Haulpak’s remarkable legacy in racing is testament to his courage and the vision and foresight of owner-breeder Robert Holmes A Court.
South African-born, Holmes A Court became Australia’s first billionaire, who in 1971 established Heytesbury Stud, one of Australia’s most influential thoroughbred breeding operations.
Holmes A Court bred Black Night, the 1984 Melbourne Cup winner and raced Australian Horse Of The Year, Family Of Man and a host of other stars.
A beautifully bred colt, Haulpak, by Dignitas from stakes-winning Winged Beauty, was bought by Holmes A Court for a modest $7000 at Sydney’s Easter Yearling sale.
After starting his racing career in blistering fashion, it appeared to be a shrewd investment by Holmes A Court.
Haulpak progressed to win four races, placed second twice and third once from seven starts as a two-year-old for Ascot trainer, John Davidson.
But just when it appeared that Haulpak’s burgeoning career was beginning to take off, he suffered what eventually would lead to a career-ending injury in a freak accident.
Haulpak escaped from his handler and fell over on Mathieson Rd, injuring his knee close to racing headquarters at Ascot.
Haulpak showed fighting qualities to return to the racetrack and mirroring his courage and indomitable spirit he won again, but in reality, he was never the same horse.
Haulpak’s knee deteriorated further and reluctantly Holmes A Court made the difficult decision to retire him and plan for a career at stud.
While others were sceptical, Holmes A Court was confident Haulpak had the pedigree to carve out a successful career as a stallion.
It was a bold move by Holmes A Court to stand Haulpak at stud as the doubters grew that he did not possess the feature wins to attract quality broodmares and because of his injury he was perceived as a cripple.
Undeterred, Holmes A Court backed his judgement and knew the only way Haulpak could be successful was to support him with his own broodmares at his Heytesbury Stud at Keysbrook.
From modest beginnings where he stood for just $300, Haulpak sustained a long 13-year career at stud. His first top progeny was Haulpak’s Image, a winner of 21 races and 19 placings from 79 starts. Haulpak’s other headliners were Australian Cup winner, Starstruck, Railway Stakes champion Miss Muffet, Coal Pak, an Oakleigh Plate champion, Carry A Smile, who went on to win the Lee Steere Stakes and Hold That Smile, triumphant in the Karrakatta Plate.
In totality, Haulpak sired 33 stakes winners at 11 percent and 25 stakes placegetters, figures that put Haulpak among Australia’s elite sires.
Haulpak left a lasting legacy as a stallion with his fillies going on to become successful broodmares, producing 415 winners at 65.1 per cent and 44 stakes winners at 6.9 percent.
Haulpak-from the vision and foresight of owner-breeder Robert Holmes A Court, to worthy induction into the Western Australian Racing Hall Of Fame.