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Hasta La Vista was one of the grittiest and most popular staying handicappers to run in the north of England in recent years. A 8,200gns yearling and a half-brother to two winners including Top Berry, (a dual 1m winner at three years), his dam was of little account. However, the Bustino mare Falcon Berry foaled Hasta on 21st April 1990, and he has done us all proud! Hasta was trained for the whole of his career here at Sheriff Hutton, owned by Ken and Judith Hodgson and looked after by Amanda Metcalfe.
Hasta ran his first race in May 1992 at Catterick, finishing second over five furlongs. He remained a maiden until June 1993, when he picked up a Class E handicap over a mile and a half under Lindsey Charnock.
Charnock was in the plate again at Southwell two races later, when Hasta gained his first win on the all weather.
In October and January 1993/4, Hasta ran three times over hurdles, finishing third twice and fourth once.
The spins over timber must have done the trick, as Hasta won his next two flat races at Southwell, under Kevin Darley and Frankie Dettori. August 1995 was Hasta's next win. This time it was Ripon and a gritty head defeat of Quivira.
In April 1996, at Catterick, Hasta was on the mark again, making all and staying on the far rails in the straight as the rest came over. He was well ridden by apprentice Richard Mullen and it was a bold move by Mick Easterby, who explained: "I walked the course and there was very little difference between right up the stands rail and right against the far rail. So I told the lad to stay over the far side and save ground and it worked, though I was a bit worried about him being on his own for so long."
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