October
SeptemberGreat moment
Tremendous to see jockey Darren Gauci and trainer Mick Bell teaming up for their first Group 1 runner together at Caulfield this Saturday — Jungle Edge in the Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Their relationship dates back to 1987 when Gauci rode Triptych to a very popular win at Moonee Valley for Mick and his owners.
Mick was, and still is, a farrier by trade and had another really good horse in Black Stunner, who also won in town before breaking down in 1993.
Mick continued to train until giving it away in 2000. When he returned to the training ranks at Cranbourne midway through last year, he and Gauci again caught up with each other at Mornington, where they combined for a win with Ovahead.
Jungle Edge is probably a 50-1 shot on Saturday but he’s honest, puts himself into a race and both horse and rider will give it their all.
One must admire the passion Gauci still has for racing, having to shed 2kg by Saturday to ride Jungle Edge at 52kg. But he’s very happy to do so for his mate Mick.
At 50, Gauci is fitter and stronger than many blokes half his age and to keep his body in shape and still be able to compete against the best takes a determination and ability many people simply could not comprehend.
Kew