By Peter Wharton
When Lot 169 steps into the ring at Nutrien Equine’s Melbourne yearling sale on April 3, the excitement will likely reach fever pitch not only at the Oaklands Junction sales complex but the home of the youngster’s vendor 15,000 kilometres away.
The Father Patrick filly was bred and is owned by a Finnish born horsewoman, Katri Keranen, and is first standardbred yearling ever to be offered by a Scandinavian breeder at a sale in this country.
A hobby trainer and breeder, Katri, 39, was born into a harness racing family. She breeds between one and four mares every year.
The filly is part of the strong draft being prepared for the sale by Aldebaran Park stud, Nagambie.
Her dam, Hiding My Heart, was imported by Katri to Australia as a yearling in 2015.
“I got the idea when I was in Australia on holidays in 2015,” Katri said. “I went with the Herbertson family to Shepparton trots where I saw the Finland-imported trotter Kvintet Avenger race.
“Everyone told me the idea to import a trotter to Australia from Europe was insane, so I decided just to do it anyway!”
“I wanted to import a filly that would be a good broodmare prospect after her racing career. Hiding My Heart has a nice, proven USA pedigree behind her.
“I try to breed my mares to the best American or European stallions that I can afford. Hopefully that will pay off one day.”
Hiding My Heart, named after the song recorded by Adele, won a race at Ballarat and was three times placed in a brief career with Darraweit Guim trainer Lisa Miles. She also qualified for the Breeders Crown 3YO Final.
The filly is the first foal of her dam.
“She looks a nice type,” Katri said. “The staff at Aldebaran Park do a wonderful job with my horses.”
Unfortunately due to covid restrictions, Katri can’t attend the sale.
“Maybe I will be able to come down next year? I love horse racing and normally go to see the Elitloppet in Sweden every year,” she said.
“I’ve seen the Prix d’Amerique in France a couple times. The Hambletonian, Inter Dominion and the Aurora Australis featuring the Great Southern Star are still on my bucket list!”
