MY CALL - I'LL NEVER FORGET IPSWICH CUP DAY 2011

By David Fowler | Tuesday, June 21, 2011

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB, taking the position upon Wayne Wilson's retirement last August. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.

What a day!

Sorry I can't be a bit more creative than that but basically that sums up Ipswich Cup day for me and, fortunately, for all the right reasons.

Winning our second Eye Liner with Adnocon means that race will always hold a special place in my heart.

But it was a lot different this year to 2010 when I watched it with mum in the lounge-room!

That performance was class proving no real surprise off the back of wins at Canterbury and Sunshine Coast.

But 2011 was a whole new ball game for me because I had to be at the track to broadcast the race and the meeting.

We made no secret of the fact that Gerald Ryan had set him for this race first-up. That was Gerald's plan and he went about executing it on the back of two Sydney barrier trials and a solid track-work regime.

All the reports were good but barrier 12 was a concern and, as it turned out, became more of a concern when he was planted four wide and then three wide with no cover until the 600 metres.

But the mastery in Gerald's plan shone like a beacon when it was time for him to sit down after such a tough run as the training schedule lifted him over the line.

Adnocon has been a terrific investment.

Gerald deserves all the plaudits since he took him over just over two years ago and travelling foreman Brad Banfield is a great asset to the stable.

My involvement wouldn't have happened except for my old sparring partner and senior part-owner Hadyn Flynn.

We can fight like cat and dog, especially on the drink, but mates are mates and to race this horse together is a huge thrill.

Let's not forget our other part owners, Hadyn's son-in-law Kevin Conlan and the always optimistic Darren Halpin.

In fact, Adnocon is named after Kevin's boys Aiden and Noah who cheered for their pop's horse in Cairns.

My Dad Max must be described as an honorary owner and head cheerleader.

I thought he was going to crash through the broadcast box window when Adnocon passed the post first, but he's enjoying the ride as much as anyone.

Calling the race, well that was an experience.

Wayne Wilson actually kindly offered to come out of retirement to broadcast it for me, but I was determined to call it, knowing he had a second-to-none chance.

It was all plain sailing in the call even though I was disappointed he was wide and when Damian Browne pushed him hard at the 600 metres I thought he was 'gone'.

But in the straight he began to rally strongly and, to be honest, the last 100 metres I was calling names but not knowing what I was saying as I kept hoping he could put his head out.

So it wasn't as graphic a call as you might have expected because victory wasn't assured until right on the post.

How ironic it was with me being so controlled with a horse I owned and who I had a modest investment!

They're just a few behind-the-scenes moments I thought I'd share. Winning a race with friends is a buzz and I'll never forget Ipswich Cup Day 2011.

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Adnocon or no Adnocon, Ipswich Cup day is an integral part of our Winter Carnival.

After all the city hype and glamour, it’s great to head west a week later for a different type of atmosphere and audience.

And the Ipswich city has embraced the event in no uncertain manner. It is the city's biggest annual event.

I wish whingers would stop harping on about the crowd figure which seems a post meeting talking point every year.

I don't know if there was 25,000 there or not, but who cares?

I know there is a hell of a lot of people at the track and they are all having a cracking time … and the club executes the day perfectly.

Congratulations to them on an event that keeps growing in stature every year.

Until next week.

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