Wagga man Tom Hurst never expected to be starting a horse in the Country Championships when he picked up Rock ‘N’ Roller from a clearance sale.

A friendship struck with Jonathan Crowley from Aquis Farm resulted in him having the pick of 120-odd horses the Queensland breeding operation was looking to offload.

Rock ‘N’ Roller had originally been purchased for $230,000 by Matt Cumani as a yearling but had ended up at Aquis after injuring his left front tendon.

A love of Lonhro led Hurst to Rock ‘N’ Roller, a son of Pierro out of an Encosta De Lago mare. After being nursed back from injury, Rock ‘N’ Roller has won three of his first seven starts to book his place in the Southern District feature at Albury.

“I paid $1000 for him. We got him floated back here, got him home and did eight months worth of stem cells (treatment),” Hurst said.

“We started out slow, took our time and went from there.”

Hurst got his dad Dave, wife Olivia and a number of mates involved in the horse. Most of them will be there to cheer on Rock ‘N’ Roller on Saturday.

Hurst cannot believe his luck.

“Before he had his first start, he showed nothing at all,” he said.

“Then he came out and a barrier trial by a few lengths and I thought he might go ok, he might win a maiden. Then he came out and won his maiden. He’s now won three races...it’s phenomenal.”

Kayla Nisbet will take the ride on Rock ‘N’ Roller, one of three representatives for Wagga trainer Wayne Carroll.

Hurst is confident his horse will do him proud.

“If he gets a nice sit in behind them, I’ve got no doubt he’ll be competitive,” he said.

“If he gets the drop on them at the two furlongs, he’s in with a chance, that’s for sure.”

Hurst said it would not be possible without Carroll.

“Wayne has done an exceptional job. I can’t thank him enough for the way he’s handled the horse,” he said.

“He’s given him every opportunity.”

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