‘I’m sort of in trouble’: Welwal’s surprise win in 2024 Kevin Heffernan Stakes has Super silver lining

Welwal caused a boilover in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and booked a ticket into the $1m The Supernova at Pakenham.

Welwal (orange and purple colours) gets the better of Arkansaw Kid to win the Kevin Heffernan Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Scott Barbour / Racing Photos

Welwal caused a boilover in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and booked a ticket into the $1m The Supernova at Pakenham.

Welwal denied Arkansaw Kid on the post at his first start for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, who – along with stable form analyst ‘Hayden’ – bought the ex-Chris Waller-trained import for $330,000 in an online auction six months ago.

The lightly-raced five-year-old gelding recouped $120,000 on Saturday at Caulfield with the first prize.

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“We do have very good form analysts, Hayden and Junior who get their heads down and they’re all over lots of horses and the data this and the data that, but I leave them to it and they run their own race a little bit,“ Price said.

“A very, very good old-time stable client Alf Gauci is in it. Tuesday morning, me and (Luke) Currie stood there and he had a big blow so we thought ‘it’ll need the run’.

Welwal wins the Kevin Heffernan Stakes! 👊

Luke Currie on board for new stable @MickPriceRacing

Found by #RichosRoughies 💰 pic.twitter.com/kTqr8SUtZw

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) November 30, 2024

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“So, I’m sort of in trouble but, Alf, when you win the big one (The Supernova), you’ll thank me.

“You’d be mad if you didn’t (head to The Supernova), wouldn’t you?“

The Supernova is on December 21 – Pakenham Cup Day.

Warnie rounded out the top three in the Kevin Heffernan from Buffalo River and favourite Tuvalu, who was one-paced in the straight.

Originally published as ‘I’m sort of in trouble’: Welwal’s surprise win in 2024 Kevin Heffernan Stakes has Super silver lining