The kinder approach suited Kawi, but he was a lethal champion on the track

Kawi (foaled 24 October 2010) is a retired New Zealand Thoroughbred racehorse that won seven races at Group 1 level. Kawi is beautifully bred by boom sire Savabeel (Zabeel) out of Magic Time (Volksraad). Bred by Warea-based dairy farmers Christine and John 'Steak' Goodin, the bay gelding had a "strong colour" and a physicality about him. Kawi was trained by Allan Sharrock at New Plymouth and is considered one of the most eminent domestic gallopers in NZ, possessing a record that reflects his talent and ability - Mufhasa heads the list of New Zealand Group One wins with eight and Kawi shares second with Seachange on seven. He is highly regarded as a Central Districts gem that carved a path through all-comers, defeating some of the finest middle-distance runners over three majestic seasons of racing. Johnathan Riddell rode Kawi in nine of his 10 starts when he was a testing type compared with the complete racehorse that he would become.

He was runner-up behind True Spirit in his first race on 22 November 2013, a maiden three-year-old event over 1200 metres at New Plymouth. A few weeks later, he secured his first victory, in his second start, in a 1400‑metre race for three-year-olds at Trentham. Kawi was successful in 15 of his 39 starts, but it was a close second in the Telegraph that stood out to the trainer. Kawi carried topweight and had he not been held up he might still have won. Sharrock says over time, it was clear the horse needed the feminine touch as he responded better to women than men. The kinder approach suited Kawi and this only improved his attitude and temperament.

Notable performances by Kawi include: 1st in the 2015 Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) beating Iamishwara. 1st in the 2015 Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes beating Ryan Mark and Ginner Hart. 1st in the 2015 Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400 m) beating Mighty Solomon, 1st in the 2015 Gr.1 Zabeel Classic ahead of Stolen Dance and Authentic Paddy, 1st in the 2016 Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) ahead of Stolen Dance and Sports Illustrated, 3rd in the 2016 Herbie Dyke Stakes behind Valley Girl and Stolen Dance, 1st in the 2016 Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes ahead of El Pescado and Farm Boy, Kawi thrust out his nose at the finish line and won 2016 Gr 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) ahead of Mime and Rasa Lila, 4th in the 2016 Gr.1 Kingston Town (1800 m at Ascot, Western Australia) behind Stratum Star. 1st in the 2017 Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA ahead of Start Wondering and Sofia Rosa, 3rd in the 2017 Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) behind Underthemoonlight and Close Up, 3rd in the 2017 Windsor Park Plate behind Gingernuts and Close up, 3rd in the 2017 Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) behind Ocean Emperor and Miss Wilson, 1st in the 2017 Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes beating Consensus, 2nd in the 2018 Telegraph Handicap behind Enzo's Lad, with Ferrando 3rd.

Kawi was retired after his joints and his fetlocks started showing signs of wear and tear. The prospect of Kawi equalling Mufhasa’s record of eight group 1 wins in New Zealand gave his camp even more motivation to continue, but Alan Sharrock was more concerned with the horse's welfare. For Christine and Steak Goodin, matching it with the major players of the New Zealand racing industry has been nothing short of life-changing.

Their success with Shez Sinsational, also trained by Sharrock and which they co-owned as part of a syndicate, was followed by Kawi's rise to the top. 

RACE RECORD - 38: 15-7-5

EARNINGS - $1,356,412

2015 Makfi Challenge Stakes

2015 Zabeel Classic

2016 Thorndon Mile

2016 Makfi Challenge Stakes

2016 Windsor Park Plate

2017 Otaki-Maori Weight for Age

2017 Captain Cook Stakes