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Well that’s another Spring Carnival done and dusted. Overall, it was really a Carnival dominated in the majors by the favourites – except the big one.
No expert could have possibly tipped Prince Of Penzance in the Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m), but I am sure that most punters would have had a smile on their face even though they lost.
Here is my look back at the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival.
Highlights
1. The Blue Army Dominates
On paper it looked as though Godolphin would dominate ‘Super Saturday’ at Randwick, but it doesn’t always pan out that way. Well on this afternoon it did with James McDonald and John O’Shea combining to win five of the nine races, including the Group 1 with Magic Hurricane in the Metropolitan (2400m). Could well be the first of many race meetings that Godolphin carves up.
2. Everyday I’m Buffering
Injury prompted question marks on whether Buffering should continue racing. Well with a bit of TLC and outstanding training from Robert Heathcoate, ‘Buff’ returned to racing in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) and despite copping serious heat on speed, he kicked on very strongly for a brave win, and in the process gave the track record a nudge.
This was one of the more remarkable wins of the Spring.
3. The Genius- Chris Waller
Where do you begin with this man? He has dominated Sydney racing for a number of years now, but he hadn’t really left his mark in Melbourne. Well that changed this Spring, starting off Preferment in the Turnbull (2000m), then Press Statement in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
Those Group 1 races are huge, but they could not compare to the champion horseman getting his first major when Winx scored the most dominant Cox Plate (2040m) win since Makybe Diva in 2005. Melbourne now knows who he is, and it won’t be long before he claims the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
4. The Glass Ceiling Is Broken
Rewind a couple of weeks back and racing was on the front and back page for the wrong reasons. The industry needed a good story and it got the best story possible when Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to claim the Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200m) on Prince Of Penzance.
Most punters would have lost money on the race, but I can speak for myself when I say I was beaming with joy about this underrated hoop claiming the greatest prize in Australian sport.
Lowlights
1. The sudden passing Of Tim Bell
The highest of highs to the lowest of lows in less than 24 hours. On the Tuesday we were celebrating the remarkable achievement of Michelle Payne, but when we woke up the following morning, we awoke to the news that Tim Bell had tragically lost his life in gut-wrenching circumstances.
It’s tough to swallow when a jockey has a fall and dies from injuries, but when it’s non-racing related, I think it’s tougher to swallow, especially for a young man who had the world at his feet and was destined for great things.
2. The Victorian tracks
Quite simply, it was a disgrace. The track that was dished up on Caulfield Cup was borderline pathetic, and pathetic would be generous to describe the Moonee Valley track on Cox Plate Day. And if those were pathetic, then what can you say for Derby Day and Cup Day? Just simply not good enough compared to Randwick where they had five meetings run in a month and it played superbly. Not good enough from the Vics.
3. The anti-racing brigade
Call them what you want, but it wouldn’t be a Carnival without them raising their heads. They delayed the start of the Melbourne Cup when they decided to tie themselves to the running rail before the Cup. With that delay, $1-2Million more was invested on the race. Cheers!
4. Red Cadeaux
Outside Black Caviar, he has been the most popular horse in Australia since the turn of the decade. It was very tough to see the old boy pull up abruptly, and it was touch and go for a few hours as to whether he will live, but thankfully all seems OK with the champ and he can enjoy retirement.
The Surprise Packet
Azkadellia
She’s come a long way in a short amount of time. Started off the prep with a 70 win at Ballarat and by the end of it she’s Group 1 placed. Should have won on Cox Plate Day, and with normal luck, she wins the Myer. As I said in my Derby Day review, I think she is a 2016 Cox Plate horse. She’s high class.
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