Champion sprinter Weekend Hussler dies
Image: Steve Hart
Australian racing has lost one of its greats with the passing of Weekend Hussler, who died from colic. The news was confirmed on Sunday by Clinton McDonald, whose father Ross trained the champion galloper.
The loss comes not long after the passing of Clinton’s mother, Margaret, who died just two months ago. Ross McDonald, a revered figure in racing, passed away in 2014.
Weekend Hussler earned the prestigious title of Australian Horse of the Year for the 2007-08 season, a year in which he captured six Group 1 victories as a three-year-old — a feat that puts him in elite company.
His winning streak began with the Caulfield Guineas and continued at Flemington where he took out the Ascot Vale Stakes. Brad Rawiller, who partnered the gelding for his first two Group 1 wins, was back in the saddle to land both the Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Handicap.
Rawiller and Weekend Hussler then headed to Sydney, where they triumphed in the Randwick Guineas and George Ryder Stakes, rounding out a season for the ages.
Only four other legends — Winx, Black Caviar, Kingston Town, and Via Sistina — have managed to achieve six or more Group 1 wins in a single season, underscoring the rarity of Weekend Hussler’s achievement.
In the 2008-09 racing season, he added two more Group 2 wins and one final Group 1 victory before being officially retired from racing in 2010.
Weekend Hussler’s death comes just months after another heartbreak for Clinton McDonald, who lost his 2024 Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi in January due to surgical complications.
“Hopefully he’s now up with Mum and Dad,” Clinton said.
“He took our family on one hell of a ride; he was the horse of a lifetime.”
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
