Firestorm the Survivor - Triumphant at Eagle Farm

Firestorm's fabulous new colours, which stay true to his history, designed by owner John Fildes

Firestorm during training in Queensland

Cute baby Firestorm with his wonderful dam Lacrimosa

When three year old galloper, Firestorm, thundered across the finish line ahead of the favourite yesterday - the winner by half a length in the Sky International Maiden Handicap at Eagle Farm - it really was a miracle.  Not because the big gelding isn't showing talent but because he's lucky to be alive! 

Bred by Max and Judi Clarke of Windy Hill Stud, Strath Creek, Firestorm (Sire: Primus  Dam: Lacrimosa), was born in 2008, so when the terrible fires of 2009 swept through Victoria, he and his dam were in the thick of it.  To their horror, the Clarkes were away from home when the fire swept through the property and the horses were left with no avenue of escape, however, the ingenuity of Lacrimosa saved Firestorm’s life.  Keeping the little colt firmly by her side, she guided him to their usual feeding spot, a large dirt patch the size of a garage and here they managed to stay safe as the fire raged around them.  On arriving home the Clarke’s discovered that amazingly Lacrimosa and her foal were safe, but tragically they lost one horse, their best broodmare and two others, pregnant mares, were badly injured. 

Jump ahead to 2011 and Firestorm, now a Queenslander in training with Robert Heathcote, is not only a survivor of the Victorian fires but after only three starts is a winning race horse with a bright future!

Heathcote says that Firestorm is bound for better things despite still being a work in progress.

"His work on the track has been much better than his form suggests and I'm leaning to giving him a break after this run. He's got plenty of natural ability and I decided to add the blinkers to get the best out of him and it did the trick." Heathcote said.

Max and Judi Clarke were completely thrilled to see their miracle foal scorching across the finish line first, with jockey Paul Hammersley wearing his new colours, which appropriately feature flames on the back!

We're sure this isn't the last we'll hear of Firestorm, with excited owners John and Jan Fildes hoping to bring him to Melbourne, we look forward to following the big guy's future successes.

Quick Link

• Read a story by Robert Heathcote about Firestorm's win and view his fantastic new colours!