MY CALL - BELLETRIST BREAKDOWN STUNS RACEGOERS
By David Fowler | Tuesday, August 30, 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.
The Belletrist breakdown had a profound effect on many people at Doomben on Saturday. I was one of them.
It might have been a wet and miserable winter's day, but I left the track taking some good out of what was a horrible episode.
Belletrist had just snatched a wonderful last stride win when, one moment later, fate dealt a deathly blow and the mare shattered both sesamoids. It was literally one stride after the line.
Rarely is such a tragedy played out so vividly before the public. Frequently, it will happen at a less visible part of the track and, generally, to a beaten horse. This was sad stuff and far too close for comfort.
The raw emotion on Mitch Wood's face and Belletrist's strapper was upsetting, but I later reflected positively on the genuine love people in the industry have for their horses.
I don't know Mitch other than to call him in races, but he wore his heart on his sleeve and he need not be embarrassed for that. If I never meet him, I will always know that he can express emotion which is a great attribute.
For all the politicking and posturing that goes on in the business, the horse and the race IS the thing and the Belletrist incident was a sharp reminder of that.
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Ex-jockey Mike Pelling delivered a similar sentiment even before the Belletrist tragedy unfolded.
Pelling was one of several guests invited by the Brisbane Racing club to celebrate National Jockeys' Day.
He expressed that while racing had been great for him, on several fronts, it was his love of the horse that kept him inspired.
Pelling is one of the most intelligent men I have met … and that's not just confined to the jockeys' ranks. He is a thinker and whatever he turned his hand to he would be successful.
He revealed he hadn't been to the races since his fall in 2005, but conceded he would be a more regular visitor after Saturday's excursion.
Mick Dittman, Michael Kerr and Barry Squair were also interviewed during the day by Wayne Wilson and it was must see stuff on an otherwise drab day.
These former jockeys should be used more frequently by present day administrators. Their past abilities on the track clearly demonstrate they still have a lot offer as far as advice and counsel is concerned to our younger hoops.
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One swallow doesn't make a summer.
It's an old line, but it’s appropriate to trot it out after Smart Missile demolished his rivals in the Run To The Rose at Rosehill on Saturday.
Yes, it was THE performance of the weekend and, yes, he is a horse going places.
But some sections of the media can't wait to brand a horse a champion as soon as they win. It's hype in overdrive and Glen Boss didn't help matters comparing him to Makybe Diva. Give me a break.
I don't often agree with Richard Freedman, but at least he had the sense to put the brakes on some of his more excited colleagues by suggesting we should see him beat older horses before we start reaching for the superlatives jar.
Couldn't agree more.
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I'm heading to Cairns for the two day Amateurs Carnival. I can't wait to be honest.
It's a buzz to go to the country, particularly when both days attract huge crowds.
It's my third year as the Carnival's broadcaster and I'll report on all the
excitement in next week's MY CALL.
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