Judysmemum extends Hayes’ FirstUp magic in the Liza Storm

Stowport trainer Craig Hayes unearthed yet another debut harness racing winner on Friday night when three-year-old filly Judysmemum (Always B Miki) produced a strong performance to claim the time‑honoured $14,000 Liza Storm at Burnie.

The filly continues a remarkable pattern for the Hayes stable, joining the likes of Scooterwillrev—a 26‑time winner and Easter Cup champion—along with Melnrowley, winner of the Group 2 Evicus Final, and Hazewillrev, who captured the 2YO Colts & Geldings Sweepstakes Final. All were successful at their very first racetrack appearance under Hayes’ guidance.

Judysmemum is bred to make an impression. She is out of the reliable broodmare Tania Maree (Stonebridge Regal) and is a half‑sister to several accomplished performers, including Mister Gently, a dual Burnie Cup winner; Melnrowley, whose 10 victories featured the Group 2 Evicus; Nurse Anna, winner of four races including the 2022 Liza Storm; and Kingoftheklondike.

The race she won carries significant history. The Liza Storm is named in honour of a mare purchased by David Rawlings and his brother‑in‑law Ken Gilliard, who won her first three starts before injury curtailed her racing career and sent her to the breeding barn.

Her impact as a broodmare was profound. Her first foal, a King Kellanie colt later known as Thorate, became one of Australia’s great pacers—winning 70 races, including the 1990 Inter Dominion, for champion New South Wales trainer Brian Hancock, and amassing $1,329,345 in stakes.

Liza Storm also produced other high‑class performers such as Stormrate (21 wins from 61 starts) and Adorate (14 wins from 44 starts). Her influence was recognised nationally, earning her Australian Broodmare of the Year honours from the AHRC in 1988, 1989, and 1990.

For Craig Hayes, Judysmemum’s debut victory adds another promising chapter to a stable that continues to produce high‑quality young talent

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink