The start to a new year doesn’t get any better. In the space of 15 minutes both Proven runners on the day saluted, BREAK FREE disposing of her BM68 rivals at the Sunshine Coast followed by KING’S SECRET securing his first Stakes victory in the Canterbury Sprint.
Whilst a long way from the phenomenal deeds of his older half-brother PRIVATE EYE, KING’S SECRET is on an upward trajectory having won 6 of his 11 starts, 4 of those Metro Saturday successes plus yesterday’s inaugural stakes triumph.
“Geez, he was strong late,” an ebullient rider Andrew Adkins announced post-race.
“Was a little bit concerned when the favourite skipped clear just on the corner, but our bloke went through his gears nicely. Good effort, good win and am very proud of him.”
KING’S SECRET wins the Canterbury Sprint!
That’s six wins from 11 starts now for the emerging @PrideRacing sprinter as Andrew Adkins guides him to a Listed win over a brave The Instructor with Barber in third. @tabcomau @ProvenTbreds pic.twitter.com/8bPrbexauK
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) January 1, 2026
Trainer Joe Pride now has some second tier Group targets at the Autumn Carnival firmly in his sights so will give the 4yo a short let-up.
“This horse won only the lone maiden in his first 4 starts but has since won 5 of 7. He’s now worthy of setting for better races,” said Pride.
The big crowd of owners present who warmly applauded KING’S SECRET on his return to scale, had only just witnessed (by virtue of a screen) another Proven 4yo, BREAK FREE scoring first-up in Queensland.
The daughter of CAPITALIST has built a 50% win strike rate from her 8 starts and has always shown trainer Matt Hoysted above average ability.
“Think today’s performance was better than it looked,” he opined after her gritty three-quarter length victory.
“That race was run at a very quick tempo, just sustained speed and they didn’t ever really come up for air. That’s taken away a little bit of her dash but she dug deep late.”
Having contested Black Type events as a younger horse, Matt has no extravagant plans for the mare other than restricted Saturday company.
The perfect start to 2026 lifted Proven’s seasonal tally to 21 wins, the Canterbury Sprint becoming our 4th Stakes success for 2025/26.