Trainer Kim Waugh is aiming to deliver a memorable farewell for Hawkesbury Race Club CEO James Heddo with a win from the four-year-old horse Squeezebox in the Good Luck James Heddo Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) scheduled at Hawkesbury. Heddo, a part-owner of Squeezebox, will step down from his role at the race club on July 17 after four years of service.

Mark Waugh, a fellow part-owner and stable spokesperson, noted that although it was not planned, it is fitting that Squeezebox could participate in the race named in Heddo’s honor. “It would be a nice little send-off for James if Squeezebox can win for him because he’s been such a great administrator and chief executive over a lot of years at different clubs,” he said. Heddo’s involvement as an owner and administrator has been highly regarded within the local racing community.

Squeezebox, a son of Epaulette, was acquired by Kim Waugh from Godolphin through the Inglis Digital 2025 Late April Online Sale for $47,500. Since joining the stable, the horse has demonstrated consistent form, recording one win and eight placings from 12 starts, and has earned more than $72,000 in prize money. His most recent win occurred at the Illawarra Grange track on May 30, where he overcame a wide position to secure victory over Marchon and Helen’s Way.

Following that victory, Squeezebox placed third at Gosford behind Ivy Legend and narrowly missed first place against Dr Evil at Hawkesbury over 1500 meters. Waugh praised the horse’s relentlessness and consistency, highlighting his ability to finish strongly in recent races despite carrying a challenging handicap weight of 59.5 kilograms.

If Squeezebox wins at Hawkesbury, Waugh indicated the horse’s next campaign would likely move to city-level racing, with a potential start in a Midway event on a Saturday. “I think he’s definitely good enough to compete in Midway company,” Waugh said, suggesting a step up in class for the horse.

Also entered for the upcoming race day is three-year-old filly Avalon, who is set to make her racing debut in the Essential Asset & Fire Midway Maiden Handicap (1000m). However, Waugh said a final decision on her participation would depend on her barrier draw, which is the outside gate nine of nine—considered less favorable. Avalon is also nominated for a later race at Wyong.

Avalon, a daughter of Maurice and No Comment, comes from a family with proven success in the stable, including siblings Conrad, Mo The Great, Chipper, and Jared, who have collectively won multiple races. In a June 17 barrier trial at Wyong, Avalon showed promise by recovering from a disadvantaged position to finish a close third. Waugh noted her improvement and referenced trainer Jay Ford’s assessment that she still has development ahead but possesses noteworthy ability. Avalon is currently priced at $5 in TAB Fixed Odds, behind the favorite Our Lady Peace at $3.20.

The upcoming race day at Hawkesbury thus carries significance both as a competitive event and as a moment to honor James Heddo’s contributions to the racing community.