Hashtagmadeyalook is definitely worth a second glance

by Kim French, USTA Internet News Editor

Kim French

Columbus, OHAlthough he did not compete in Grand Circuit contests as a freshman, Massachusetts Sire Stakes champion Hashtagmadeyalook could very well demand some attention in his sophomore campaign. He may not be strong in stature, but this young gelding possesses a motor and mind which commands attention on any occasion he places a hoof on the track.

“He has not grown taller, but has really filled out,” said George Ducharme, the gelding’s conditioner. “He has grown into his chest and has a nice, big butt. He’s training really well and I think he’s going to be a good little horse.”

A son of Chapter Seven-Royalty Free, Hashtagmadeyalook performs for his breeder/owner, Raymond Campbell Jr. The Campbell family’s dedication to the sport spans decades and this horse is a product of that devotion. Although their stallion RC Royalty did not capture the Hambletonian (seventh in his elimination), he has sired a victor of that prized event in Royalty For Life and is also the broodmare sire of this 3-year-old.

“RC Royalty has sure been good to me,” said Ducharme, who was responsible for the career of Royalty For Life. “And my relationship with Mr. Campbell goes back many years to when you had to stand a stallion in Massachusetts for their offspring to be eligible; I think that was in the 1980s. The program there has come so far just within the last several years and we are very grateful for it.”

Tom Melanson photo

Hashtagmadeyalook has compiled a record of 4-2-2-0 and banked $77,550.

Hashtagmadeyalook has compiled a record of 4-2-2-0 and banked $77,550. He is a Commonwealth champion and established a track record (1:56.3) for his age, gait and gender in his first triumph at Plainridge Park on Oct. 23, 2017.

With regular pilot Chris Lems holding the lines, the gelding chased Kinda Lucky Lindy around the track in his first engagement at Plainridge Park, in his career debut on Sept. 25 in Massachusetts Sire Stakes action. He was again second behind that rival in his next trip to the post, also in Sire Stakes company, but did trot a :28.2 last panel.

Hashtagmadeyalook, however, turned the tables on that rival in his third journey to the gate. He stated he was a force to be reckoned with off a stakes and track record performance on the very first occasion he entered the winner’s circle.

The gelding also demonstrated his education was right on point by defeating Kinda Lucky Lindy in the $90,000 Massachusetts Sire Stakes final on Nov. 6. Hashtagmadeyalook assumed command at the beginning of the race and never relinquished control. Lems merely shook the reins to keep his mind on business as the horse stopped the clock in a measured 1:57.

“We got a late start with him and qualified him twice at Vernon Downs,” Ducharme said. “We just took our time with him and I think it was the right thing to do. We kept him in Massachusetts rather than taking him to New York, but we are going to try him there this year.”

The gelding, who is the first foal from a dam that is a half-sibling to RC Serpent (Conway Hall, $141,161) and Temper Of Will (Conway Hall, $173,888), will ply his trade in the Empire State and determine his own destiny.

“Mr. Campbell wanted to keep him eligible outside of New York and Massachusetts for several stakes races,” Ducharme said. “But it is all up to him; we’ll let him tell us what he wants to do, but he has always been good-gaited and knows his work. I think allowing him to have the time off was the best thing and we are hopeful he will have a nice season this year for it.”

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