Sydney-based former New Zealander Bryce Heys made one of his first big splashes since becoming a trainer to secure the top-priced filly on day two at Karaka.
The 29-year-old has recently set up a stable at Warwick Farm and he will have at least one valuable horse from New Zealand – an O’Reilly-Zamfir filly from Waikato Stud which cost him $475,000.
“We’re delighted to be able to secure as quality a filly as there is in the sale,” Heys said.
“To be able to come back and do it off people I’m great friends with and very fond of, because Waikato Stud have been great supporters of me – they’ve brought me a long way in the last couple of years.”
Heys, formerly from the Waikato town of Huntly, worked for prominent owner Gerald Shand in New Zealand and with Windsor Park Stud before heading to Australia. He worked in Sydney with John O’Shea and has just started on his own as a trainer.
“I’ve only just recently got my licence so I’ve only got a handful in work at the moment. I’ll probably have my first starter in maybe six or seven weeks,” he said.
“A lot of them are young horses we’re building up and I’ve got clients that are very, very patient and I’m in a fortunate position.”
It was Heys second major purchase this year. He paid $600,000 for a More Than Ready-Polaway colt at the Magic Millions Sale at the Gold Coast earlier this month.
– AAP
