Apollo | A Show Horses Dream!

Born in 2013, Apollo was a highly sought out yearling purchased by Coolmore Australia for $500,000 at the Inglis 2015 Australian Easter Yearling Sales. This So You Think gelding, out of leading broodmare Crevette, was bred by Southern Cross Breeders in the Hunter Valley, beginning his racing career under Chris Waller in the eastern states. Peter Morley of Belhus Racing Stables purchased Apollo in 2017, moving the gelding over to Western Australia to begin his western career. In WA, Apollo was trained by Trevor Andrews and Stephen Wolfe, retiring in early 2022 with a career of 61 starts, four wins, 13 seconds and 13 thirds.

After his last race, Apollo was offered to Belhus syndicate owner, Carlene Matthewman, who turned him out on spell for most of the year. Apollo was then brought back into work in the summer of 2022, beginning his off the track career with Carlene’s daughter, Semoane Brown. Apollo follows Red Alfred and Paseo Del Prado as thoroughbred which Semoane and her parents have acquired from Peter Morley. Carlene and Rick Matthewman have been part owners of all horses with Belhus and Grand Syndicates.

“Apollo is a lovely horse to have around the stables. He has an affectionate temperament, a kind eye and is a real people’s horse. He is one of the easiest horses to handle, my 12-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son can lead him anywhere. He is fast becoming one of the stable favorites with everyone that meets him,” Semoane said fondly.

Having only just begun their partnership, Semoane and Apollo have already begun to take big leaps in their training. Apollo is a sensitive horse but has proved to have a willing attitude toward his training so far. He is slowly beginning to build trust and confidence in his new career, recently attending his first competition at Serpentine Horse and Pony Club Tee Shirt Hack Day. Although Apollo was initially overwhelmed with the atmosphere, he settled beautifully and left the show ring having been awarded Reserve Champion Off the Track Thoroughbred.

Apollo has also attended two OTTWA clinics which has helped him build his confidence around other horses and in new environments.

We wish Semoane and Apollo all the best for their bright future!