UNSUNG HEROES: REMEMBERING THE VITAL ROLE OF HORSES THIS ANZAC DAY

Apr 24, 2023

As we remember all those who have served to defend Australia & we appreciate all those who continue to serve, we want to reflect on the role horses have played in the Anzacs & remember the service & sacrifice these amazing animals have made to our country.

Their role in the defence force has been huge, particularly during World War I, where horses served to enable transportation, reconnaissance, and combat. These horses were carefully selected and trained to withstand the harsh conditions of war & proved to be invaluable, as they could navigate the various terrains, carrying supplies and soldiers across long distances.

One horse stood out among the Australian Light Horse Brigade in WWI for its bravery, loyalty, and resilience. The horse’s name was Sandy, a 16-hand Waler, who belonged to Major General Sir William Bridges. The Waler breed was known for its endurance, intelligence, and bravery in the harsh conditions of the Australian outback & Sandy certainly demonstrated these qualities. He quickly became a beloved member of the Anzac forces carrying supplies, transporting wounded soldiers, and earning a reputation as a brave and reliable horse. He was known for his ability to remain calm during battle, and for his fierce loyalty.

Unfortunately, of the 136,000 horses serving in WWI, tragically, only 1 made it back to Australia.

The bravery and loyalty of these 136,000 horses cannot be overstated. They often faced danger and the harshest conditions alongside their human counterparts. The bond between the Anzac soldiers and their horses was understandably incredibly strong, they were not just a means of transportation, they provided comfort and companionship in the midst of war.

It is impossible to underestimate the role that horses have played in the defence force of Australia & New Zealand. Their bravery, loyalty, and strength have been instrumental in the success of the Anzacs throughout the years. As we remember and honour the Anzac legacy, it is important to pay tribute to the horses who have played such a vital role in our nation’s history.

As for Sandy; Major General Sir William Bridges died in battle at Gallipoli & it was his dying wish to have his beloved horse returned home to Australia to enjoy a long and happy retirement. After serving further in the war, Sandy finally returned to Australia in November 1918, the big bay living out his days munching on green grass at Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s west. Sandy’s legacy continues to inspire today, symbolising the courage & resilience of the Anzac forces.

“The bond between soldiers and their horses is unbreakable, and their loyalty and trust in each other is awe-inspiring.” – Australian War Memorial curator, Stephanie Boyle

Lest we forget

BOUNCE BACK FACTOR 

As Tycoons were made aware of, there’s a theory in racing that when a horse suffers from cardiac arrhythmia, “you must back it next start” and they win. 

And that was certainly the message after Cool Jakey suffered cardiac arrhythmia the previous start at Randwick, with Joe Pride telling Tycoons in the pre-race late mail, “Don’t worry about what happened last start, the horse is fine and he looks great,” how right Joe was with Cool Jakey leading all the way.

COOL JAKEY THE KING OF WARWICK FARM 050325

Cool Jakey battling to the line with Emmadella

Cool Jakey trainer Joe Pride, Brave Pride, Jockey Adam Hyeronimus and TK

Trainer Joe Pride and son Brave Pride, Jockey Adam Hyeronimus and TRL Rep TK

HIPPO FROM BARRIER TO BOX

Adam Hyeronimus was having his first sit on Cool Jakey and he rode him a treat. We joked before the race “just go to the front and improve your position” and that’s exactly what he did. 

“He jumped well and found a nice rhythm straight away, he had a nice time so I let him slide early into it at the 600metres so we did go a bit early. 

“He felt fantastic throughout the run and was doing it easily, so I did get a bit of a surprise how quickly he stopped. 

“So maybe I did go too early, but in saying that, maybe seven furlongs is his upper limit. On that effort he’ll be winning again” Jockey Adam Hyeronimus said.

JOE DELIGHTED

“That was good guys” trainer Joe Pride said, with a big smile to a large contingent of NSW Tycoons on Cool Jakey returning to scale. 

“Look it was nice to see him win on a track that wasn’t bottomless wet, it opens up a lot more opportunities for him. 

“In saying that if there was a 1400m for him in a fortnight on a Good track I would probably be reluctant to start him. We need to nurse him through it and the next month – six weeks isn’t going to be easy because it’s carnival time. 

Cool Jakey the king of Warwick Farm with NSW Tycoons

Cool Jakey in the winners circle with NSW Tycoons’ owners

WHATS NEXT – PACK YOUR BAGS

The Tycoons have been very patient with Cool Jakey and their patience has been rewarded. He is building a very nice career record which stands at only 13 starts for 5 wins and a minor placing and is now pushing the $200,000 in prize money. 

‘Jakey’ has initially pulled up well, but we all know that he is a delicate soul and has to be treated with kindness and Joe is reluctant to push him too hard too quickly. Which is fair enough. 

“We might even consider travelling him maybe to Melbourne or Brisbane for a wet track, we just need to look after him.

“He’s been a good horse for us, we will look after him and his best opportunities will come in the Winter,” Joe concluded. 

Congratulations to all NSW Tycoons and winning connections.

Go you good thing!