Chris Parnham and Hot Zed to represent Perth Racing

It has today been announced that popular WA sprinter HOT ZED will represent Perth Racing in Western Australia’s first thoroughbred slot race, The $4m TABtouch Quokka on 15 April 2023. The recent winner of the Pinjarra Classic is set to be partnered by top WA hoop Chris Parnham.

Trained by one of WA’s most experienced trainers, Lou Luciani, at Capel, south of Perth, HOT ZED finished a close fourth in the $1.5m G1 Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes during The Pinnacles, less than a length and a half behind Godolphin star PAULELE, and was victorious at Pinjarra last start in the Listed Pinjarra Classic over 1300m.

Lou said he was thrilled to partner with Perth Racing for the inaugural slot event, and that The Quokka fits perfectly into HOT ZED’s autumn preparation.

“This horse is a true Aussie battler, he’s everything you’d want a WA racing legend to be. Apart from his first racing preparation, HOT ZED has not had a genuine race track to work on for the last two years. Instead, he works in the Capel Tuart Forest dodging kangaroos, or along Forrest beach - often with a pod of dolphins for company when he’s doing his wading work. There are no frills to this horse. He’s a real contender – the tougher the challenge, the better he likes it.”

Owners Gray and Jan Williamson said “we are really pleased for HOT ZED to have such a fantastic opportunity to prove himself against the best in WA, as well as the challengers from over east. The Quokka is a great concept, that’s what all the banter is about right now. We have every confidence our horse will exceed expectations, as always.”

In revealing the runner in Perth Racing’s slot for The TABtouch Quokka, Chief Executive Officer James Oldring said:

“We’re delighted to be announcing HOT ZED as Perth Racing’s representative in the $4m TABtouch Quokka. He’s a proven performer at elite level, has quality form around Ascot and knows how to hold his own against the very best around. There’s no doubt that it will be a huge task to take on the likes of superstar AMELIA’S JEWEL – and of course the eastern raiders, with UNCOMMON JAMES, ASFOORA and BELLA NIPOTINA bringing top class form across to Perth – but we’re confident that HOT ZED can do Perth Racing, and WA, proud.”

Top jockey Chris Parnham has a perfect record on HOT ZED, partnering him to three victories from three rides, and the hoop is looking forward to renewing the winning partnership.

Chris said “HOT ZED saves his best for the main event, he’s not there to show off at trials. His raceday record speaks for itself, with lots of wins from not so many starts. I’m rapt
to be riding him in The Quokka and thankful to Perth Racing, Lou Luciani and Gray and Jan Williamson for entrusting me with the opportunity.”

The $4m TABtouch Quokka will run on Saturday, 15 April 2023 at Ascot Racecourse as the main feature on WA’s richest ever raceday. The Amelia Park-Karrakatta Plate Group 2 race, worth $500,000, will also run on the same day.