The Joe Pride-trained COLUMBIA BLUE sailed through heavy (10) conditions to break his maiden in emphatic style at Hawkesbury Tuesday.
In an impressive exhibition of controlled speed, COLUMBIA BLUE was sooled out of the gates by jockey Adam Hyeronimus to lead five rivals in the 1000m maiden handicap.
With only the well-backed favourite HARRY’S EVIDENCE for company, COLUMBIA BLUE travelled beautifully for Hyeronimus as the chasing pack struggled to keep pace.
By the home turn, the free-running pair had established a four-length break on the rest of the field and ultimately went on to fight out the race.
HARRY’S EVIDENCE briefly drew level at the 200m mark but that only steeled COLUMBIA BLUE’s resolve as he fought back to win by a decisive margin of 2.5 lengths.
Great to see COLUMBIA BLUE inherit some of the speed of his uncle, SUPER ONE!
He was a $150k yearling from @BellRiver_BR at @inglis_sales Classic 2023.
Thank you @PrideRacing & Adam Hyeronimus! pic.twitter.com/JA6CO5Ayfv
— PR🟢VEN Thoroughbreds (@ProvenTbreds) May 27, 2025
“He was great, he executed the start well and that won him the race,” Hyeronimus said post-race.
“He travelled through the going no problems and when I asked him for an effort in the straight, he really responded.
“I love his attitude. He’s going to be a horse that will be even better over six or seven furlongs.”
COLUMBIA BLUE was one of two winners by YES YES YES at the Hawkesbury meeting, highlighting the progeny’s prowess on rain-affected tracks.
The 3yo gelding was a $150,000 yearling purchase from Bell River Thoroughbreds at the 2023 Inglis Classic Sale and becomes Proven Thoroughbreds’ 48th winner for the season.
