TORONTO, February 24, 2025 – Once a week, from January to April, Woodbine will profile a horse who had a life-changing impact on one of their closest connections in 2024. This week, groom Sandy Hartsgrove and multiple stakes winner Scorching. Hartsgrove has been a fixture on the Woodbine backstretch for 40-plus years and has worked in the barn of trainer John Charalambous for over 20 years. “I have known John since I was 18. We both worked for (trainer) Buddy Carter and that’s how we met. We got along right away and eventually I went to work in John’s barn. I feel lucky every day that I get to work with and be around the horses.” Scorching (ON) Bio Foaled: March 3, 2022 Sire: Mo Town Dam: Samsal Acquired: $120,000 (CDN) purchase at the 2023 CTHS Ontario Premier Yearling Sale Starts: 3 Wins-Seconds-Thirds: 2-1-0 Earnings: $210,877 (U.S.) Notable races: Won (finished second, placed first) the 2024 Cup and Saucer Stakes. Won the 2024 Simcoe Stakes Trainer: John Charalambous Groom: Sandy Hartsgrove Owner: Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch Breeder: Huntington Stud Farm Corp. Scorching (#3) and jockey Patrick Husbands winning the Cup & Saucer Stakes on October 6, 2024 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) What were your first impressions of Scorching? “It was how calm he was for a colt. He just seemed smart, intelligent, and was a well-built horse. It was more the mental aspect that jumped out at you – just how smart he was.” “The look in his eyes, the way he carried himself – it was very impressive. He jogged around the shedrow for the first few days. It was like he was floating. He caught our eye.” What do you recall from his first race (second, at 35-1, on July 19, 2024)? “We schooled him, and he had always done everything right. Whether it was what he did in his works, or when he came back from them and was so relaxed, everything he did was so professional. I know John (Charalambous) liked him a lot going into the race.” “I thought he ran an excellent race. He faced a tough horse (Cut the Dust) trained by Josie Carroll, who ended up winning the race. Scorching showed a lot of energy down the lane and finished a couple lengths ahead of the horse in third. It was a great effort, and we were all happy with it. You want them to learn from each new thing that comes their way, and he got that from that first race.” What do you remember the most from the Simcoe Stakes win? “We weren’t surprised, but we were obviously very happy. This is the type of horse who gives you confidence. He ran a great race. When he came back, (jockey) Patrick Husbands had a big smile, which told you everything. I gave Scorching a big pat and told him, ‘Great job.’ I don’t know if I needed to say anything because he knew what he had done. But I did tell him he was getting even more carrots than usual.” “When I was giving him those carrots after, it reminded me that this guy only likes carrots. No mints for him. John loves giving the horses mints, but this guy never liked them. At first, I would cut them in small pieces for Scorching, but once he figured them out, he takes the whole thing right out of your hand.” Scorching and jockey Patrick Husbands winning the Simcoe Stakes on August 25, 2024 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) How are you feeling ahead of his run in the Grade 3 Gotham (March 1 at Aqueduct)? “I’m looking forward to it. I won’t be there, but I will be watching and cheering for him. We know what he is all about and hopefully, he comes up with a big race. He’s been working well, and we know he’s a smart horse.” What three words best describe Scorching? “Mature. Professional. Precocious.” How has Scorching changed your life? “He is a perfect example of the trust and bond that can be established between a groom and a horse. I knew from the first moment I met him that he was different from a lot of the young horses. He had a certain way about him that just caught your attention. I love this guy.” Chris Lomon, Woodbine Share This:Share
