'Hoof' one to watch at Ellerslie

Four-year-old gelding Hasselhoof has already got off to a flying start, with five straight wins in his first five races. Photo / Race Images

A New Zealand horse with a name inspired by Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff will thrill punters at Ellerslie over the festive season.

Four-year-old gelding Hasselhoof has already got off to a flying start, with five straight wins in his first five races.

The Ruakaka-based horse, fondly known as The Hoof, even has its own Twitter handle, @TheHasselhoof.

Trainer Donna Logan says Hasselhoff follows the horse's progress but he has yet to tweet back.

"I don't know if Mr Hasselhoff has placed any bets on Hasselhoof yet but with the form the horse has been showing, he'd be crazy not to."

Hasselhoof will compete in the Rich Hill Mile race at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, ridden by Matt Cameron, who has been in the saddle for all of the opening wins.

The horse is co-owned by the Baywatch Syndicate, The Hoof Syndicate and several non-syndicate members. He was bought for $14,000 at the Karaka Sales in 2011 and has won $56,000 from his opening races.

"He was bought as a yearling and we didn't push him," Ms Logan said.

"Hasselhoof is tall and is a gentle giant - not unlike David Hasselhoff himself, I believe."