Meet Hellcat

The Story Behind Our Three-Time-Placed Filly

Do not be fooled by Hellcat’s sweet face. She can be affectionate and easy to love at home, but she is also independent, sassy and very clear about having her own opinion.

That character is a big part of why we love her. She is not a push-button horse and she has never pretended to be. Following Hellcat means taking the good days, the frustrating days and the days when she leaves us wondering what she might do next.

A sprinting pedigree

Hellcat is a three-year-old chestnut filly by Mayson out of Vixen, a daughter of Kodiac. Her pedigree points towards speed, and six furlongs has been the main focus of her racing career.

She came to Vesper Solis with racecourse experience already behind her. Across her career she has been placed three times, showing that the ability is there. The challenge has been helping her put everything together consistently.

More than a line of form

A race record tells you where a horse finished, but it does not always tell you the full story. Hellcat missed much of her two-year-old campaign and has had to learn while racing. At times she has travelled well and given us real encouragement. On other days, things have not gone to plan.

That was certainly true at Thirsk on 7 August. She was declared for the six-furlong Class 6 handicap with Alexandra Egan booked to ride, but she was recorded as a non-runner. After all the preparation and anticipation, she did not get the chance to take part.

It was disappointing, especially for the owners who had followed the build-up, but it is also part of racing. Plans can change right up to race day and the horse must always come first.

Learning what works for her

Ross Burdon and his team know Hellcat well. They see how she moves, how she comes out of her work and how she behaves from one day to the next. That daily knowledge matters when deciding whether to run, where to run and what might help her show her best.

With a horse like Hellcat, progress is not always a straight line. Sometimes the answer is a different race, a change in routine or simply more time. The important thing is to keep listening to what she is telling us.

Why we still believe in her

Hellcat has already shown enough to be placed three times. She is sharp, athletic and has ability. She is also still a young horse who missed valuable time and is continuing to mature.

We will never promise that a win is around the corner. Racing does not work like that. What we can say is that she has a team around her that understands her, and owners who are prepared to enjoy the whole journey rather than judge her on one afternoon.

She may test our patience from time to time, but she is never dull. Sweet, sassy and completely herself that is Hellcat.

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