Another chapter in Northerly Stakes history will be written at Ascot on Saturday. Who can add their name to a bevy of stars to win the Group 1 feature since its inception in 1976. More than two decades ago it was the turn of Blevvo to join the likes of Kingston Town, Family Of Man, Bounty Hawk, Summer Beau, Better Loosen Up and Playing God and have their named inscribed on the prized trophy. Trained by David Harrison, Blevvo went into his 2002 encounter as an outsider, but rated beautifully in front by jockey, Peter Farrell, he pulled out plenty to lead all the way. It remains the pinnacle of Farrell’s riding career that first launched at Mount Barker in 1994. Ahead of Saturday’s Group 1 Northerly, Farrell relived fond memories of the race with Julio Santarelli.
JS: Each year when it rolls around, does the Northerly Stakes bring about some fond and treasured memories for you?
PF: It definitely does. It was a pretty special day and a pretty close finish too, I wasn’t a hundred per cent sure if I won, I thought I had.
JS: Take us through the run, you went out a double figure odds, despite good form leading in, did the race pan out as you expected?
PF: I ended up leading and got a pretty soft lead. I think SJ (Stephen Miller) was on Main Stage and took off early and that sort of spread us out. I went with him, but got to the top of the straight and was still travelling. I shed a few tears. It was pretty awesome.
JS: It mapped out perfectly for you.
PF: I led from the start and we went pretty slow. I think SJ was going to try and go to the front at the 700m and I went with him and kicked up under his neck. Because we had gone so steady and sprinted so hard from the 700m for a 100m it got spread out and caught the rest chasing. I think that nearly won us the race. The soft sectionals earlier and getting that break from them so far out. It all fell into place.
JS: What was the reaction coming back to the winner’s enclosure?
PF: The old boss, Dave (Harrison) was pretty emotional, so was I. It probably took a couple of days to sink in and was certainly an emotional time and special time. It’s something everyone dreams about, I suppose. I had a few rides in the Railway but only the one in the Northerly, that was it. It’s definitely something they can’t take away from me, that’s for sure, it’s always yours.
JS: Before the Northerly Stakes, or as it was known then, the Fruit ‘N’ Veg Stakes, Blevvo was going beautifully, winning five of his previous races, including Listed races: the York Stakes and Tattersall’s Cup.
PF: He won the York Stakes pretty well, on the bit, then won the Tatt’s Cup before the Fruit ‘N’ Veg. I think he paid $18.60. I thought he could win.
JS: Right place, right time in picking up the mount.
PF: I won a Belmont race but then had problems with a broken leg, so Ike (Takahide Ikenushi) rode the next two from memory. I got back on in The York Stakes because Ike rode Kentiara, who ran second, but initially I thought Ike was going to be on him for the Northerly.
JS: How would you describe, Blevvo. He was not an out and out superstar, but he made it to 78 races for 14 wins, four Listed and one at the top level.
PF: He was such a lovely horse. He would just give you his all. A horse that wins a Group 1 for you will be special.
JS: How does someone celebrate a surprising Group 1 win?
PF: It was a pretty long night and into the next day. It’s one of those things that it takes a few days for it to sink in. It’s the best way really, isn’t it.
JS: How did Harro handle the post-race occasion?
PF: He’s a pretty strong campaigner but I celebrated with friends and family which made it a pretty good day.
JS: It was definitely the peak of your career.
PF: Definitely. There’s not much better you can do as a jockey. It would have been nice to win another one, but at least I can look back on it.
JS: What were you like pre-race. What was your approach. Any nerves?
PF: I thought he could win and Dave thought he could win. He wasn’t in the market. If you went there as a $3 favourite all of a sudden there is excess pressure. Obviously, it wasn’t a sleepless night the night before, it’s on your mind that you’re going in with a chance, but there was no hype around it. It takes pressure off a lot.
JS: When did you think you had the race in your keeping?
PF: Coming to the top of the straight, that feeling in a Group 1 and knowing you have plenty under the hood, that’s a pretty amazing feeling. It wasn’t until one of the boys from the barriers said, ‘well done Shorty’ that I started crying then. I still get goosebumps watching it.
JS: You and Blevvo combined for your biggest success in racing, but the winning trophy hasn’t kept pace or shown the same durability.
PF: I’ve got all my trophies on top of this cupboard in the kitchen, but I don’t know why, out of all the trophies it’s bended. I’ve got so many of these other ones that could break or whatever, but this one had to go on a lean, so it’s in the bedroom now.
JS: Pete, thanks for sharing your Northerly Stakes memories. You are part of the race’s rich history and it’s a career pinnacle that you should be proud of.
PF: Thank you. Every year it comes around it’s a good reminder.
