Veteran sprinter creates history in The Hunter 2025 at Newcastle

Joe Pride has saddled plenty of high-quality runners over the years, but few hold a place in his stable’s heart quite like Coal Crusher — and the veteran sprinter delivered another memorable moment at Newcastle on Saturday.

The eight-year-old tough nut became the first horse to win the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) twice, adding the 2025 title to his breakthrough victory in 2023.

Since then, Coal Crusher had continued to race consistently, recording stakes placings and finishing third in last year’s edition of The Hunter behind Briasa.

The win was particularly emotional for Pride’s son and strapper, Brave, who has built an unshakeable rapport with the gelding. The teenager has already enjoyed a standout spring courtesy of Group 1 wins with Ceolwulf and Attica, but said Saturday’s moment was in a league of its own.

“He is like no other horse I’ve looked after. He is so special to me,” Brave Pride said.

“He’s by Turffonetin. He wasn’t meant to be any good but he’s just so tough.

“I’ve been part of some amazing wins this year with Attica and Ceolwulf and this is the best. I love this horse.”

Coal Crusher ($5.50) showed his trademark resilience to notch his 10th career win, with stablemate Accredited ($11) flashing late for second and Brudenell ($41) sticking on bravely for third.

Yorkshire, sent out the favourite, endured a torrid trip posted wide and dropped out sharply in the straight.

Chad Schofield, fresh off partnering Ceolwulf in last weekend’s Group 1 Champions Mile, once again combined with Pride to perfection.

The jockey said the race unfolded exactly how he had hoped after Coal Crusher found the front.

“He broke well but he didn’t show as much gate speed as he usually does so I just had to urge him along to establish the lead,” Schofield said.

“Once I got there, I actually had it quite soft for the first six hundred metres.

“I was quite confident when I banked those cheap sectionals early because I knew he’d give me a really strong last six hundred and that’s the horse’s asset.

“He’s tough as nails. He is a lovely old horse, and he was spot-on today.”

Pride said the gelding continues to thrive with racing and sees no barrier to returning in 2026 for another attempt at The Hunter.

“This is his race . . . I’d love to think we could have him back for it again next year,” he said.

If you’re considering a bet on future editions of The Hunter, take a moment to explore Australia’s reliable betting options for competitive odds.