The son of Turn Me Loose could well loop the loop started by Reddy To Rock at only Baertschiger’s fifth runner on March 2, 2012, and ridden by Jacky Low. It’s a pity it’s gone this way.”įor 900m of the 1,100m race, goosebumps were felt all round as Outfit (Benny Woodworth) led like he did at his last-start win. It’s been a long journey – 30 years, 12 years by myself. “It was good to stop getting too emotional, I guess. They got me good and proper,” said Baertschiger, who bows out as the winner of 517 races, including 19 at Group level, the most memorable being his four Group 1’s with Aramco, Aramaayo and I’m Incredible. “I’d asked if we could have a group photo because it’s my last runner, but it backfired on me. While wiping himself – and probably, tears of sadness and laughter – the drenched trainer said he had not expected such a wild send-off from his colleagues. With Daniel Meagher and Jason Ong charging on with bottles of bubbly in hand, Baertschiger was copiously doused in champagne at the winner’s circle. It has rained a lot at Kranji of late, but on a rare dry day, Baertschiger wished he had brought a raincoat along. The merry bunch lined up for the cameras, but as Tan Kah Soon walked up for a speech, out came the champagne. The 50-year-old got more than he bargained for. He had only one request, though: Win, lose or draw – a photo with his 18 fellow Kranji trainers before Outfit’s run in Race 8. He knew the odds of a damp squib that is a winless farewell were higher, but the lanky trainer everybody calls Stretch would live.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |