I came to the conclusion on the weekend that there is another female in my life. On Saturday in Brisbane we rekindled our brief encounter last year at Moonee Valley and I have to say, I’m overwhelmed by her beauty, charm and extraordinary talent. She’s a dark haired beaut. Don’t despair because my other half (Perditta) is even more smitten than I and then of course there are those millions of others who have been drawn under the spell of her charm – I am of course referring to Black Caviar.
It was a privilege to have been at Doomben racecourse last Saturday to watch this magnificent horse strut her stuff and knock-over win number 13 as if she was going round in a maiden at Manangatang.
She, who has a more intimate knowledge of the world of racing than I, was enthralled – it was hard not to be as thousands thronged to the course in their finery and reverently stood 30 deep to catch a glimpse of their heroine. Crowds of people, young and old, at the races, drawn by a racehorse which epitomises all that is amazing about the sport, not by the prospect of getting drunk at the afternoon alternative to a night club. Even more amazing!
Black Caviar – hers is a story we’ll be telling for generations – that day when she first came to Doomben and made it 13 wins from 13 starts. Her trainer, the likeable larrikin from outback Queensland who never forgets where he’s come from; her jockey who started as a kid in Dalby and has ridden to the top; and her owners – a bunch of friends who must pinch themselves every day at their amazing good fortune; and of course the lady, the Queen of the Turf herself. Best in the world they rate her. A stunning sort, so well named, who will be out to match her sire’s win in the Doomben 10,000 when next she steps out at Doomben. And for me, I think it was love at first sight; but alas she knows not that I even exist.
Casey
I understand she’s also stolen the heart of our editor Bec, who was also at Doomben to be wooed last Saturday.