Harness
2026 WA Racing Hall of Fame Inductee - The Falcon Strike
Few trainers possess the instinct to recognise a champion before others do. Gary Hall did, and in The Falcon Strike he found not only his greatest horse to that point, but one who would leave an enduring mark on Australian harness racing.
Sourced from New Zealand as an unassuming three year old, The Falcon Strike had placed just three times from nine starts and had never won. But a brave fifth in the Group One Sires Stakes at Addington, after covering significant extra ground, caught Hall's eye. A $100,000 purchase later, the colt arrived in Perth for his new owners, led by Michael van Rens, Hall's principal backer at the time and one of Western Australia's most successful owners of elite pacers.
Prepared on the deep, testing sands of Hall's Hazelmere property, The Falcon Strike quickly revealed himself as something special. His first Perth appearance in February 2001 triggered a major betting plunge at Gloucester Park, where he faced the unbeaten Australian two year old of the Year, Disco Force. Caught three wide throughout, the Kiwi import powered away in the straight to win decisively, instantly announcing his arrival. He followed with four straight wins, including the Western Gateway Pace and Caduceus Club Classic.
His early brilliance was tempered by inexperience in the WA Derby, where a tough run outside the leader saw him finish eighth behind Manifold Bay. It was the final drive by Gary Hall Snr, who made the pivotal call to hand the reins to his then 20 year old son, Gary Hall Jnr. It proved the beginning of one of harness racing's iconic partnerships.
Lacking gate speed but blessed with extraordinary strength, The Falcon Strike matured rapidly at four. He won seven of his first nine starts that season, including a heat and final of the Country Cup, twice defeating fellow rising star Baltic Eagle. Revenge over Manifold Bay came in the McInerney Ford Four Year Old Classic, before a heartbreaking neck second in the Golden Nugget.
That summer he produced one of the most courageous performances ever seen by a West Australian horse in the Hunter Cup. Severely checked at the start and conceding ten metres, he recovered to circle the field, sit outside the leader and briefly take the front before finishing fifth, beaten just half a length. It was an unforgettable run, overshadowed only by the devastating tendon injury he sustained, ruling him out for fourteen months.
Patient rehabilitation by Debbie and Kristy Padberg brought him back stronger. Resuming late in his five year old season, he won nine of his next ten starts at Gloucester Park, overcoming large handicaps with trademark determination. As a six year old he won the Newcastle Mile and earned a Miracle Mile invitation before returning home, where his affinity with Perth would again be proven.
Over twenty four days spanning the end of 2003 and start of 2004, The Falcon Strike delivered a sequence of performances that defined his legend. He won the Celebrity Mile, the Fremantle Cup from twenty metres, the Australian Pacing Championship, and the WA Pacing Cup in a brutal duel with Baltic Eagle. His partnership with Gary Hall Jnr showcased both horse and driver at their fearless best.
Though his body was beginning to feel the toll, greatness still flowed. As a seven year old he won his second Australian Pacing Championship, then strolled to his third WA Pacing Cup in January 2005, displaying the authority reserved only for champions. A final Hunter Cup attempt ended in injury, prompting retirement, though his remarkable recovery later allowed one final return to the track.
Back at Gloucester Park in 2006, The Falcon Strike thrilled crowds once more, winning first up at eight and adding further victories before ultimately farewelling racing as a nine year old.
Across 78 starts he recorded 41 wins and 17 placings, banking $1.224 million. He claimed seven Grand Circuit victories, including two Fremantle Cups and three WA Pacing Cups, alongside numerous other feature wins.
Away from the track he was calm, gentle and unassuming. On race night he was all heart, strength and resolve. His defining trait was never speed alone, but the courage to find again in the final hundred metres, where champions live.
The Falcon Strike earned his place among the immortals through bravery, resilience and an unwavering will to win, qualities that ensure his legacy will endure.
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