October
SeptemberHumble hero
There were amazing scenes around Steven Arnold’s victory on Sunday September 3 in the Mauritius Turf Club’s most prestigous race, the Maiden Cup, on a South African horse named Enaad.
Some 60,000 patrons crammed the grandstands and lined both sides of the fence, many of them sporting the famous blue and red colours of leading trainer Ramapatee Gujadhur and most of them barracking for the lanky Australian.
Even the French-speaking caller was screaming “Steven Arnold” as much as the horse’s name, as Enaad cruised home easily after a superb, typically patient ride over the tricky 2400-metre course.
What is amazing and stamps Arnold as a truly great athlete is the fact that before he finished his apprenticeship in Adelaide he stood around six foot (183cm).
Many thought his weight would eventually see the premiership-winning Arnold hang up the saddle. He is now in his early 40s and the discipline needed through clever diet and exercise to last this long is testament to a supreme athlete.
It wasn’t surprising to anyone who knows Steve Arnold that at the massive presentation Arnold humbly heaped praise on the horse, trainer, strappers and patrons, making sure it wasn’t about him.
Mind you, it was obvious Arnold was overjoyed at the win, which has surely almost eclipsed his Royal Ascot win on Scenic Blast and Plate on So You Think.
With contract complete Steve heads for home lying second on the jockeys table.
Having mastered the difficult Champ de Mars racecourse, Arnold appears to be riding as well as ever.
Goldsborough (Qld)