Perfect start to 2026!

The Hoysted stable kicked off the new year in the best possible way with two winners from two runners at the Sunshine Coast.

First up was 4yo gelding HEADHUNTER returning from a spell in the 1400m BM68 Handicap.

Jumping from barrier three with Jag Guthmann-Chester in the saddle, HEADHUNTER enjoyed the run of the race just off the speed before letting down strongly to win by a length.

The son of VANCOUVER has finished in the quinella at five of his eight career starts and looks to be in for another fruitful preparation.

Two races later it was stablemate BREAK FREE’s turn in the spotlight.

Another lightly-raced 4yo resuming from a spell, the daughter of CAPITALIST won the 1000m BM68 Handicap, preserving her impeccable first-up record of three starts for three wins.

BREAK FREE carted the field up to two tear-away leaders on the home bend before grinding down her opposition late to score by 0.8 lengths under the guidance of Daniel Moor.

With a 50% strike rate 8 starts, BREAK FREE has always shown trainer Matt Hoysted above average ability.

“Think today’s performance was better than it looked,” he opined after her gritty 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.