“How good is this, I never thought I would get this close to our horses” quipped one very happy Qld Rogue as she patted The Big Goodbye and snapped the obligatory selfie at the Rob Heathcote Stable Open Day last Friday.
150 enthusiastic Rogues, some like Steve and Deb, who had travelled from Perth, weren’t about to miss the chance for a behind-the-scenes tour of Rob’s stable at Eagle Farm and celebrate their second successive TRL Premiership success.
INCREDIBLE INSIGHTS
Everyone arrived nice and early and as an added bonus were hard up against the rail on the infield to witness the most impressive of jump-outs from Cantankerous who won his trial earning himself a spell and the promise of big things to come.
Armed with coffee and pastries, Rob graciously threw open his stable doors, with his loyal staff Mel and Mikey parading The Big Gee, Caxton Lass and even Rothfire came out to meet the curious crowd.
The Ramornie Trophy held pride of place in the middle of the yard along with the premiership trophy providing the perfect photograph and screen saver.
Rob gave a wonderful insight not only into the horses but also how a top City stable operates and the pressure that comes with the 24-hour care of your horses.
SPECIAL APPEARANCES
A massive thanks also goes to Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate-winning jockey Michael Rodd, who gave his time to chat to the crowd and tell of his remarkable comeback to race riding after a bad fall and a subsequent brain injury.
While another of your trainers Chris Anderson made a special appearance and assured all Rogues, that Larrikin Rogue will be “back, bigger and better than ever” after he completes his spell from a “minor tear” in his suspensory.
A remarkable morning was had by all, and a massive thanks to Rob and his team for having us at their place.
IMAGES FROM THE DAY
Here are two links to some photos from the day that you can download, in both colour and timeless black and white, enjoy and Go you good thing!
Go Rogues!