“Stradbroke here we come,” said an emotional trainer Graeme Green when asked about his star galloper MASTER JAMIE (Poet’s Voice-Verkko) after the 4YO brilliantly but narrowly won the main race in Brisbane today, The Gateway worth $250,000.
“This is my biggest race win to date and I’ve got to thank that little monkey on top.
“What a ride,” added the seemingly politically incorrect bush trainer from Rockhampton.
That monkey is Michael Rodd who, as it turns out, just loves riding Rockhampton trained horses.
“I have been to Rocky a lot and spent many Christmass’ there because I have plenty of relatives in Rocky and look, these country horses are just kicking arse these days,” said Rodd who is a good friend of trainer Green and didn’t at all mind the name.
STAMPE (Whittington-Envelope) was so game in 2nd spot. Once Master Jamie got the better of his rivals after they turned for home and kicked clear, Stampe was the only one to emerge from the chasing throng and he ground away, failing by a nose in the end.
Back in 3rd a few lengths away was the favourite PROFIT (Dundeel-Opportunity) who battled away well 2nd up from a spell. This was a fast run 1400m, and in fact was the winner Master Jamie’s first start at the trip.
And it gets him into the Gr 1 $1.5million Stradbroke Handicap over the same trip in the winter.
“I just can’t believe it. Me, with a horse in the Stradbroke. He is such a gentleman, so easy to train, very sound, never does anything wrong and look at his record – he’s now won 13 races from 22 starts.
“Just a horse in a lifetime,” said Green.
The win today took his earning past half a million – and what a great boost of confidence for all those wanting to buy a horse in January.
Master Jamie cost just $10,000 as a yearling.
Similarly, back in 6th spot flashing home from last on the bend was an even bigger fairy tale had he won.
You have just got to shake your head and murmur to yourself, “how did they get it so wrong?”
That’s the only question in regards to why connections sold another bushie PANIAGUA (Tycoon Ruler-Danni Sharleen) in April this year.
He was purchased online for $600 and while he didn’t place today in his first open grade contest, he has won 8 races from 13 starts since being bought for $600, and won $261,000!
Black Book him as he will win next start.
