Pride's Champion Creates History at Broadmeadow
In a spectacular display of grit and determination, the eight-year-old gelding Coal Crusher has etched his name into the record books, becoming the first horse to win Newcastle's prestigious $1 million The Hunter twice. The historic victory at Broadmeadow on Saturday, November 15, 2025, came two years after his initial triumph in the same race, with a third-place finish in 2024 sandwiched in between.
The win was a true family celebration for Warwick Farm trainer Joseph Pride, who was trackside with his wife Kylie and son Brave to witness the moment. The Pride family forms a significant part of the gelding's tight-knit ownership group. "It's a small group, but we've been pretty lucky," Pride told the Newcastle Herald in the mounting yard after the race.
A Race That Fits the Gelding Perfectly
With this latest victory, Coal Crusher's impressive career record now stands at 10 wins and 13 placings from 46 starts. Notably, his last win before Saturday was his previous Hunter victory in 2023. Pride highlighted the significance of the race for the horse, stating, "It's kind of the only race he can win, it just fits in nicely for him into the calendar."
Such is his affinity for the event, the trainer is already eyeing a return. "You only get one chance at it every year, so we'll try and get him back here next year," Pride confirmed, signalling the potential for a three-peat attempt in 2026.
The day was a resounding success for Team Pride, who secured the Group 2 quinella with Accredited finishing second. Local trainer Kris Lees rounded out the placings with Brudenell finishing third.
Other Highlights from a Stellar Newcastle Race Day
The rich metropolitan meeting featured several other standout performances. The Bjorn Baker-trained Green Spaces announced himself as a rising star with a commanding three-length victory in the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m). A stable representative was full of praise for the three-year-old colt, saying, "He's exciting and the best part about him, he's got better and better." After a planned spell, bigger targets in the autumn are now on the horizon.
The day opened with a win for Seeiaye in the Max Lees Classic (900m) for two-year-olds, a victory with a touch of celebrity flair. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios was confirmed as one of the colt's part-owners. Trainer Peter Snowden, a Newcastle Hunter Racing Hall of Fame inductee, used the occasion to pay tribute to the late Upper Hunter icon, Pat Farrell, calling him "an icon" and recalling his own beginnings as a 16-year-old apprentice riding for him.
Snowden completed a training double later in the day when Maid Of Moolah won the fourth race. Other winners on the card included Djapana for trainer Clarry Connors, Meridiana, and Sun God from the powerful Chris Waller stable.
