It’s Judgment Day | We don’t need to deliberate on this gelding’s talents!
It’s Judgment Day, by Bahhare (USA) and out of Court Olea (NZ) began his racing career in New Zealand in 2005. The handsome bay had his first 23 starts under trainer Michael Grant, the majority of which were run in New Zealand before racing in Australia. In 2009, five starts into his Australian racing career It’s Judgement Day moved to Peter Morley’s Stables to be a part of Belhus Racing Syndicate. It’s Judgement Day continued racing until early 2012 for a total of 41 starts for five wins, two seconds and three thirds, earning $82,311.
Shortly after Peter acquired the gelding he was injured after being caught in a gate, suffering lacerations, bruising and heart strain. The injuries were severe and the prognosis for the gelding was that he would never race again. Peter wasn’t going to give up on It’s Judgement Day, or JD, and so the tough gelding was given a long break. He made his return to the track just short of 12 months later.
In October 2010, three starts after his racing return JD won a 2200m Saturday race at Ascot, with $11 odds. This win was special in many ways as it was Peter’s first as a trainer, against a quality field including future 2012 Perth Cup winner Western Jewel, and it was ridden by Jockey Hayley Diener, JD’s future owner! This win was a sign of things to come for the partnerships’ success after racing. When JD retired in early 2012 Hayley was offered the gelding by Peter to take on. JD had always been special to Hayley and of course she jumped at the opportunity.
“…At the time I retired my mare from most ridden duties due to arthritis, so when he came to me it was perfect timing. He is a special horse to me and Peter Morley. Pete always wanted him to go to a loving home and that is one thing he will always have.” Hayley says.
JD’s amazing temperament and natural ability has leant him to a successful career in eventing and show jumping. Hayley says that the bold gelding is a “point and shoot” horse who will jump anything put in front of him, JD has earned the honour of zero refusals to his name. Together Hayley and JD have competed up to 1* eventing, and 105cm show jumping. Recently the pair won both the EvA 80 OTT class at Brigadoon LiveLighter CCN-S and the EvA 80 P/ARC class at Moora Toyota Horse Trials CCN-S.
Hayley wears JD’s old blue and white checker silks of Belhus Racing for the cross-country phase of their events and a matching browband for Dressage. Hayley says she always feels safe on the talented gelding who is the most sure-footed horse she has ever ridden.
At rising 19 with just over five years of racing, and 10 years of Eventing behind him Hayley is determined to keep JD happy and sound for as long as possible. Hayley says JD is happily and successfully competing in the 80cm Eventing classes, finishing cross-country without breaking a sweat.
Peter, who receives regular updates from Hayley is glad to see the gelding succeeding in his post-racing career. All owners who have shares in horses of the Belhus Racing Syndicate contribute to their post-racing education to set them up for success in their off the track homes.
“He owes me absolutely nothing after all this time. I’m the one in debt to him and he will always, no matter what have a home and anything he needs he will get, and money is just after thought. He has been an amazing partner on and off the track and he is my world and I’m the lucky one to have found him.” Hayley says.
