The horse is one of the most promising young gallopers in Australian racing. Purchased for $900,000 as a yearling, his value today is estimated at between $2 million and $3 million.
But who actually owns Passenger, the exciting John Hawkes-trained three-year-old colt who lit up the track at his only race start?
Is it the mysterious Mrs Amy Hyder, said to be a 30-something wife of a Texas oil baron, or is it Sydney's most controversial racing identity, Eddie Hayson?
This is the question Racing NSW stewards are demanding an answer to at an inquiry tomorrow.
Amid continuing racetrack speculation, chief steward Ray Murrihy yesterday decided it was high time the mystery surrounding Passenger's ownership was resolved. Murrihy confirmed Hayson and his racing manager, renowned Randwick trackman Mick Fagan, have been summoned to appear before stewards at 2pm tomorrow in relation to the Passenger matter.
"The stewards want to look at the bona fides of the ownership of the racehorse Passenger," Murrihy told The Daily Telegraph last night.
"I have contacted Eddie Hayson and Mick Fagan and asked them to appear at the inquiry."
Murrihy declined to make any further comment on the matter pending the stewards' investigation.
Hayson, well known for his great greyhound sting in 2005 and his clashes with thoroughbred stewards at previous inquiries, has previously requested his appearances before stewards be held in-camera, although those requests haven't always been granted. Murrihy said stewards would consider any such application from Hayson for tomorrow's inquiry to be held behind closed doors.
It is an unfortunate by-product of brothel owner Hayson's high profile and notoriety that the case lends itself to headlines and controversy. And in this instance, while stewards may well find nothing untoward, it has been the "cloak-and-dagger" innuendo that has fuelled stewards' interest.
The Passenger affair began at Canterbury last Monday when the superbly-bred Redoute's Choice colt scored a stunning debut win. Hayson originally purchased Passenger as a yearling and sent the horse to trainer Paul Perry at Newcastle.
Ownership of the horse was then changed about 12 months ago from Hayson to Mrs Hyder.
Racing NSW was apparently notified and the relevant ownership transfer papers were lodged with the sport's controlling authority.Media reports quoted Hayson confirming he had sold Passenger for "a lot of money" to the American.
However, when Passenger stepped out for his race debut, some media guides still had Hayson as Passenger's owner, but the racebook listed Mrs A Hyder.Good-natured Darren Beadman added to the mystery after Passenger's Canterbury debut when he jumped off his mount and joked: "Robbo (controversial hoop Allan Robinson) isn't the only one who can ride winners for Eddie."
Now trained by master trainer Hawkes, Passenger had drifted in betting from even money to $3.20 prior to the race on May 7.
But when Beadman booted home another winner, guess who was up in the stands cheering Passenger home?
Mrs Hyder is said to live in America and be married to a wealthy Texas businessmanMeanwhile, back in Australia, Eddie and the clocker seem to have retained a very close association with the colt.
Racing NSW stewards just want to know how close.
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