Hetherton hoping his charge is Unstoppable

Owner Andrew Hetherton’s ownership journey started in 2016 when Keep it Dark, a 7 year old gelding, was purchased at the DBS Horses in Training sales in January from the Executors of the late Noel Hetherton, his grandfather. Other purchase on the journey have included Unit of Assessment, N over J and Progressive Rating, a winner of the Class Heritage Handicap prior to his sale to Hong Kong (now named Elon).

That journey has now led to Newmarket today, where CheckandChallenge lines up a not unconsidered 25-1 shot for the 2,000 Guineas.

The unbeaten colt has impressed on his first two starts, going into a few trackers when claiming a Maiden at Wolverhampton in November, and following up on All-Weather Champions day in the Listed Burradon Stakes at Newcastle. He travelled well that day and strode clear to beat Dubai Poet by a length and a half.

Newmarket’s turf and undulations are a different proposition for the son of Fast Company, but one that is not beyond the realms of possibility, with trainer William Knight reporting he has worked well on the grass gallop at Newmarket.

Up until the purchase of Keep It Dark, Andrew’s involvement with ownership had been in taking a share in Goodwood Racehorse Owners Group horses, having had an interest the highly successful group who owned Goodwood Mirage, whilst his wife held a share in Goodwood Moonlight. This was followed up with shares in Goodwood Zodiac, Goodwood Crusader, Goodwood Rebel Goodwood Glen and the current filly Goodwood Vision.

Andrew’s interest in horseracing, however, goes back further. His father Simon Hetherton was, until 2015, a steward at a number of courses in Yorkshire, whilst his uncle James Hetherton trained in Malton.

Previously mentioned grandfather Noel was a longstanding member of the ROA from 1969, and was a steward at York. He owned Queen Vase winner Tantivy and Champion Hurdle third Past Glories.

The story goes further back still, as John Hetherton (great great grandfather of Andrew) was a founding member of the ROA 75 years ago.

Excitement is building for the big day, with Andrew's daughter having made a TikTok video showcasing CheckandChallenge's wins to the soundtrack of Sia's Unstoppable.

Andrew said “We are really pleased to have a runner in the 2000 Guineas as it is one of the Classic Flat races. It’s down to the hard work of William Knight and his team now based at Rathmoy Stables in Newmarket. We are all keeping our fingers crossed for him and just hope our horse will be unstoppable !”