Waikiki Waves won 1 race over hurdles, from 11 starts. Over fences it’s 4 wins from 5 races in just one season! To say this little horse – who stands at a modest 15.3hh – has been a revelation over the larger obstacles would be an understatement.
However it is not just his new found love for racing and winning which makes this horse a firm favourite at Heart of the South Racing. Nor his “small horse, huge heart” label. It’s something more.
Trained by Gary Moore, a trainer who has a genuine ‘open access policy’ at his yard, means owners take much pleasure in regularly visiting the lovable Waikiki Waves. He is without question the most ‘cuddle friendly’ racehorse at Cisswood Stables, increasingly seeming to thrive on affection from owners and stable staff alike. No matter what time of day it is he will always put his head out and close his eyes as arms are wrapped around him for that embrace only a horse can give.
His 20 syndicate owners consider themselves very lucky to be involved with such a game and fun horse; his recent chasing success tasting even sweeter after a somewhat tepid hurdling career. However there is one owner in particular who holds a very special attachment with Waikiki Waves, a connection that goes far deeper than winning and cuddles.
Back in April 2017, Lewis Gardner-Smith, a stable lad and work rider at GL Moore Racing, tragically lost his life in a car accident which understandably affected all the staff at Cisswood Stables deeply. The impact on Lewis’ family was unimaginable.
A little over 18 months later, Lewis’ mum Elaine saw that a share in Waikiki Waves had recently become available and after speaking with some of Lewis’ friends at the yard, she decided to take up the share in her son’s memory. And since that day, Waikiki Waves has not stopped winning races. It’s a truly remarkable turnaround from the horse, creating much deserved moments of joy for Elaine and her family.
This adorable little horse simply appears to have found a whole new love for life. In the words of his jockey Jamie Moore “he is like a completely different animal.” Long may it continue for all his owners, but especially Elaine and her family. A big thank you for Waikiki Waves for all that you’ve done.
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