ROB'S SHOUT - A FESTIVE TIME BUT THE SHOW GOES ON

By Robert Heathcote | Thursday, December 22, 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.

Hello once again to everyone and, of course, warm season’s greetings.

It’s that time of year which I affectionately refer to as the silly season, but why not with so many people in a relaxed holiday and party mode.

Unfortunately for so many of us in the racing industry it’s anything but party time as its always business as usual as we prepare our charges for the race-track.

I always believe it’s critical to maintain a good stable regime where the horses are kept in a comfortable work and living routine so it’s very much business as usual, but maybe with a touch of reluctance from some of the staff!

I know the industry participants will understand the demands that our profession places upon each of us and it’s always difficult getting to spend a lot of time with family and friends at this time of year. This is why it’s crucial to have a holiday at some stage of the year to recharge the batteries and spend some quality time with family and friends.

There is always plenty of racing this time of year so there is no easing off on the pedal with regard to maintaining the racing schedule for the horses.

It’s always tough on the staff with so many of their friends and family in holiday mode and plenty of parties and good cheer about. I sympathise with them as most have work obligations, but this year is pretty good in that Christmas day actually falls on a Sunday. I have a few who have taken holidays, but I have enough staff to cover that situation.

Staff parties and the like are always a touchy subject as the work needs to be done the following morning and the rules are very strict about track riders riding with an alcohol reading in their system. This year works out well though with Xmas and New Years both falling on a Sunday so no doubt plenty of partying to be done! And well deserved if I might say so! My team will have a drink or six on Saturday after the races!

Personally I will be as busy as ever, but I will get to enjoy a nice Christmas lunch and then help get the work done in the afternoon of Christmas day!

Saturday is another busy day with five runners, but that’s normal in a stable of my size.

It looks to be another tough competitive day with the highlight being the Lough Neagh Stakes. No less than eight horses in single figures in the early betting market which reflects the openness of the race.

Hopefully the weather does not influence the track too much and we can race on top of the ground. I am sure this will enhance the chances of my charge, Excellantes!

The 1350 is also a big query but his dad, Falvelon, did it a couple of times winning the Doomben 10,000 so I have my fingers crossed. Looks to be a bloody good race though!

I have a few other good chances on paper also with Griffon having his second run up here. Fire Up Fifi has been racing well with little luck and Master Of Puppets is racing consistently also, but he meets the exciting Pretty Pins again and she looks to be the real deal indeed.

I am hopeful that Santa can bring us at least one win for the day, but I am never under any illusion how tough it is to win on a Saturday in town! There’s always a
host of chances in each race!

The New Year is just around the corner and time to maybe make a New Year’s resolution!

I am not normally one to get too excited about that kinda stuff but, for me this year, it’s not too hard to come up with one?

Winning a Group 1 would be right up there after the frustrations with Woorim this past year and bumping into the likes of Hay List, Sepoy and the incomparable Black Caviar with Buffering!

Still, if it happens it will happen and my two big guns are back in work getting ready for another crack at the big time!

But for me, if I really had to make a resolution, the top of the list would have to be living by the catch cry of the ‘Mexicans’ down South!

Eat Well! Live Well!

A healthy lifestyle has changed my life and maybe it’s no fluke that we have just come off a hugely successful calendar year?

Ask any racehorse trainer and he or she will tell you how busy we always are and they will give such cliches like the harder you work, the luckier you get. That’s the price we pay in this industry, but I am sure most will also tell you we love what we do … you just have to!

Until next year … regards and best season wishes to you all and oh … happy punting!

Robert

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