October
OctoberNow that's racing
On Caulfield Cup weekend I witnessed one of the most moving TV interviews I have seen, and it was as far removed as possible from "Gushing Gai" and connections of Caulfield bluebloods.
No, it happened on Sky at Ipswich on the Friday when Bernadette Cooper had a chat with little known trainer Peter Hulbert about Publican, his runner in race one.
Choking back emotion he told of his love for the horse, who had been swept away in last year’s Brisbane floods and given up for lost, only to be finally found, battered physically and mentally, ripped and torn, apparently unlikely ever to race again.
However, owners and trainer never gave up on the little fella and here he was, 11 months later, lining up in a lowly 800-metre maiden.
The happy end to the fairytale came a few minutes later when Publican won by three lengths.
The kind, gentle trainer and owners were in tears as the horse returned to scale — one could be forgiven for thinking he had just completed the Cox Plate/Melbourne Cup double!
I will be watching with keen interest the progress made by Publican. Connections deserve all success that may come their way, and this is really what racing is all about — battlers, and a little horse who came back from the brink to give them so much happiness.
Regardless, with such a caring, compassionate trainer as Peter Hulbert he will always be loved.
Bouquets to Bernie for such a lovely interview.
Port MacDonnell (SA)