The below article by Jay Rooney for The West Australian was written after ZADOK's impressive win at Belmont:
Memories of a rollercoaster ride with the talented but ill-fated Longma came flooding back for Craig Thompson when Zadok won at Belmont Park yesterday.
Longma was one of the ownerbreeder’s favourite horses after bursting on the scene with an incredible eight-length win on debut at Werribee in 2013.
The son of Sebring went on to win at Warwick Farm and Ascot, but injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Thompson stood Longma at his Denmark stud Mt Hallowell where he produced a small crop of foals, one of them being Zadok.
“I got five babies out of him and was actually giving him away to a South Pacific Island,” Thompson said.
“He went in for surgery on a foot and when he woke up (from the anaesthesia), he charged at the wall, snapped his neck and died.
“He was one of my all-time favourites. He was going to be anything after he won at Werribee. I got offered $1.4 million for him from Hong Kong but knocked it back.”
At his second start for trainer David Harrison, Zadok gave Longma his first winner as a sire with victory in the Free Entry To Belmont Park Maiden (1000m).
Sent out a $19 roughie, the three-year-old stormed home from 10th on the turn to beat Strathmore Rose ($6.50) by a head. Natural Airchief ($9.50) ran third.
Zadok’s manners improved when he was gelded after running last in his race debut at Ascot in February.
“That operation did the trick,” Thompson said.
“Harro’s been patient with him. He’s turned the horse around from being a complete nightmare.
“The horse has got a bit of his old man in him.”
Photo credit: Sharyn Walker/Western Racepix