The Big Goodbye says Hello

Sep 8, 2021

By Terry Kennedy

Queensland Rogue owners are still trying to compose themselves and come down from cloud nine after the thrilling debut of The Big Goodbye at Eagle Farm last Saturday.

Hundreds of Rogues owners converged on Eagle Farm for the traditional Tattersalls Day while hundreds more tuned in to witness The Big Goodbye just get pipped on the post in the Eureka Stud Stakes over 1200 metres. 

Trainer Rob Heathcote deserves a medal, he was very much the Pied Piper gathering the Rogues owners together on the front lawn and providing a Billy Slater Origin inspired rev-up, which literally had the crowd at fever pitch as the barriers flew back. 

“The horse is in great condition, he’ll do you and Queensland proud” said Rob

The master trainer was right, The Big Goodbye jumped well and jockey Taylor Marshall made the most of his good fortune to sit outside the leader on an Eagle Farm surface that was favouring on-pace runners. 

He looked to be under pressure on the turn but showed tremendous fighting qualities to stick with the hot favourite Ingear in a great two horse war down the straight. With the rowdy group of owners cheering him home, The Big Goodbye actually stuck his nose in front before going down narrowly on the line.

The Rogue’s owners were tremendously proud of The Big Goodbye with Rob reporting the horse had pulled up well. 

What an incredible start to the QLD Rogues campaign! We have a few race options for him in about two weeks time that we are looking at the Gold Coast” Heathcote said. 

“It was so great seeing so many of you there yesterday and it was lovely to meet you all. It really was a fun day and although it would have been better with the win, we will get one with this lad” Heathcote added.

Can’t wait to see you there. Go Rogues!