Four wins on the Moruya Cup programme on January 2nd wrapped up the first award of the new year for Natalie Jarvis. The trainer’s Thorotek Racing operation also supplied a trifecta on the eight race programme. Natalie’s winners were Quire, Dragons Breath, Greaves and Rouge Lune. Billy Owen rode Greaves while Shaun Guymer handled the other three horses. With 130 stable clients attending on the day, Natalie proposed a Hawaiian theme and most dressed accordingly. The Moruya Jockey Club made them very welcome.
Thorotek Racing operates on a simple format. Natalie and husband Luke buy tried horses from the popular Inglis On Line Auction, and offer them for syndication among existing and new clients. From time to time they’ll be offered a horse by an independent owner. Luke’s expertise in identifying suitable horses has paid off on numerous occasions. Perhaps Kattegat is the best example - a $33,000 acquisition from the 2020 Gold Coast Racehorse Sale who’s subsequently posted 6 wins and 6 placings. Three of those placings have been on city tracks. Resort was an $18,000 Inglis On Line purchase who won four races including a BM 76 at Rosehill.
Natalie displays the Thorotek brand at a Goulburn meeting - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Both Luke and Natalie had previous careers before venturing into the world of commercial horse training. Natalie is a qualified accountant and actually worked in the Racing NSW Finance Dept for several years, while Luke was employed in the electrical trade. For a short time the couple trained a handful of horses in the dawn light at Hawkesbury before hurrying off to their day jobs. Six years ago they purchased their dream property at Moruya and embarked on an exciting but intimidating new venture. They race under the Thorotek Racing banner and keep their horses as close to nature as possible. Every horse on the team is domiciled in a spacious sheltered yard and has the luxury of a constantly changing environment. Most of their fast work is done on a first class inside grass at Moruya racecourse, while the course proper is made available from time to time. The horses are taken regularly to the beach or the river, and occasionally for a stroll along tranquil bush trails. Thorotek horses have no reason to get bored.
In keeping their owners fully informed Natalie and Luke make full use of modern technology. The wonders of webcam make it possible for owners to actually view horses in their yards, sand roll or hosing bay. A regular presence on social media enables Natalie and Luke to keep owners up to date on trackwork and barrier trials, race engagements and the day to day progress of every member of the 25 horse team. Thorotek has also introduced an interactive app which gives clients easy access to the information they require.
Quire (Shaun Guymer) - the first of four for Thorotek Racing on Moruya Cup day - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
Thorotek Racing are thoroughly deserving of the Pryde’s EasiFeed Country Trainer’s Award for January 2023. Twelve complimentary bags of Pryde’s EasiPerformance will be Moruya bound in a week or two.
Kattegat (Robbie Brewer) wins first up after being purchased by Thorotek at a Gold Coast Racehorse Sale. Moruya 12/04/2020 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.
(Banner image - Rouge Lune (Shaun Guymer) rounds off a huge day for Thorotek at Moruya 02/01/2023 - courtesy Bradley Photographers.)
