Blue Gum Farm’s draft at the 2008 Easter Yearling Sale was stabled opposite the Yarraman Park draft and I remember taking more than a passing interest in lot 138, a first crop member of Elvstroem’s out of a Zabeel mare named Gypsy Dollar. The interest stemming from the fact that not only was this colt by Elvstroem, but he was from a mare that Blue Gum Farm had previously part owned with the Mitchells of Yarraman Park fame. 

It was very obvious from early on in inspection time that leading trainer Mike Moroney had taken a real shine to this colt. I can still remember him bringing clients down to look at the colt and remarking to them all how much Zabeel he saw in this fellow. It was no surprise at all when Moroney purchased the colt for $160,000 and his handling of Viking Hero since that time has been impressive to say the least. Moroney’s patience and desire to understand this individual horse is now paying dividends as his latest victory in the MRC Eclipse Stakes (Gr3) at Sandown demonstrates.

Viking Hero must have been a frustrating horse to train. As a youngster he would show much promise before disappointing. It would appear that Moroney never lost confidence in the horse though, preferring to keep tipping him out and bringing him back, allowing him to keep maturing both mentally and physically. At last years Melbourne Cup carnival, Viking Hero was first past the post in the Listed Batman Handicap for three year olds only to have the race taken off him by the stewards. He came back from a spell and on face value, his early runs would appear to have been disappointing before being switched to Sydney where a promising third in the AJC Frank Packer Plate (Gr3) gave hope that all was back on track for a Brisbane campaign. Things didn’t work out there so Moroney stopped with the horse again and gave him more time.

This last campaign has seen Viking Hero come of age, displaying a tough and genuine character to go with the ability. After fast finishing placings at Sandown, Caulfield and then Flemington on Oaks Day in his three runs back from the spell, he came with a beautifully timed run under the expert guidance of jockey Mark Zahra to record an impressive one and a half length victory in the Eclipse. Moroney commenting after the race that Viking Hero was now ‘getting to his right age’ while still mentioning that ‘Zabeel likeness’.  

It would be a brave person indeed who suggests that there will not be more to celebrate in the future with Viking Hero. He is owned by very successful owners. He is in a wonderful stable and he has plenty of ability. Combined with a strong pedigree, Viking Hero has all the right ingredients for further success!