ROB'S SHOUT - THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS THAN WINNING OR LOSING AT THE TRACK

By Robert Heathcote | Thursday, November 17, 2011

Robert Heathcote is the leading racehorse trainer in Brisbane. 'Rob's Shout' - the personal blog of the multi-premiership winning trainer will appear every Thursday on HRO.

Last week saw a short priced favourite of mine, Excellantes, get rolled by his less fancied stable-mate, Work The Room. If I recall, the last time that happened to me was with Trump when Bevico Girl knocked him off and that caused all kinds of controversy!

This time thankfully there has been no such drama. Put simply, it does just go to show what can happen in racing.

I thought Excellantes would beat my other fella, but I was also cautious of the fact that the son of Falvelon is a big gross horse and I guess history doesn't lie as that's now three times he has been runner-up first-up from a spell in his career.

I believed I had him forward enough to race near his best after two very good pre-race hit outs with a trial and a jump out, but it's now evident that he needs a good hard race to bring him on.

I still thought his effort was very good as he looked to be in trouble at about the 100m but he still kicked on strongly when WTR went passed him to nail second place on the line.

To give Audacious Spirit 4kg’s or so and beat him was still a satisfactory effort in my eyes. Mind you, I did say on radio that Work The Room was as good as we had ever had him since he joined my stable and he had never missed a place first-up so it was no surprise really to see him closing as strong as he did.

I expected him to be coming late, but I didn't think he would get over the top of the good sprinters … but I’ll take the result!

I have never doubted the ability that Work The Room possesses. I know he isn't the punters pal too often as he's been a beaten favourite quite a few times, but that's not my concern. My concern is trying to keep him happy and healthy and racing to the best of his ability in each race he contests.

It's funny though in this caper. I often read about the so-called experts who tend to think that racehorse are like push-button machines. Put them into a race and they should always run up to their best form.

The fact is that there are so many variables, many of which are beyond our control which can determine the outcome of a horses performance and a race.

There will always be those who then like to 'talk through their pockets' and bag the beaten favourites. Remember, the horses do not know what price they are!

These two of mine will get to rumble together again in another week or so where I again expect Excellantes to beat Work The Room, but you just never know!

Perhaps it is time though to step back for a moment and get away from the hype of winning and the disappointment of defeat.

Every now and then we get an unfortunate reminder of what is really important.

That reminder brings things into sharp focus and gives us a true perspective on life which is far removed from the trivia of any punters whinge about losing a bob or two or any debate about a beaten favourite.

The death of Corey Gilbey recently following a fall in a track gallop after the races at Julia Creek is a tragic reminder of the dangers that our riders face in this industry.

And I am not just referring to our jockeys.

It’s everybody who rides a horse in races, trials, jump outs, track gallops and even track work! It is a perilous profession and probably one of the most dangerous land based professions around!

Any loss in this manner is tragic and any loss to the racing industry affects the whole racing 'family' that we are!

Such incidences are stark reminders that we can never do too much regarding the safety of our industry participants.

Unfortunately there will always be that element of risk and danger attached when dealing with the raw power and size of the racehorse!

Our condolences go out to Corey’s family and friends in such sad times.

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