By David Nagel
IT’S about an hour and half drive from Moonee Valley to Moorooduc – just outside Mornington – where Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker is now having a well-earned rest.
But it could be a million miles away.
Less than 72 hours after her win under the bright lights and the flash of cameras at Moonee Valley, Pinker Pinker relaxes in a paddock, completely unaware of new-found status in racing.
“G’day girl, you enjoying your holiday,” her relaxed trainer Greg Eurell said as he approaches his star mare.
The only special treatment afforded the new queen of Australian racing is a snug fitting rug that identifies her from the other horses enjoying a bit of R and R.
There’s no fanfare here, just the odd “congratulations Greg” from staff members as they go about their daily chores.
Eurell has just picked up his trainers’ trophy from the city.
He couldn’t take it with him after the race on Saturday, a heavy downpour filled up the box his trophy sat in and the makers wanted to clean it up before he put it on the mantelpiece.
It’s still in its plastic as we open up the box to reveal a sterling silver plate with 9ct gold trimmings.
“Geez, it’s bloody shiny, have a look at the sun reflect of it,” Eurell said as he stands beside Pinker Pinker and cheekily flashes it in her eyes.
“The only thing they told us was to not eat pizza off the owner’s trophy on Saturday night – apparently last year’s winners did that.”
This tranquil Moorooduc establishment has seen many champions come through its doors over the years after winning some of Australia’s greatest races.
The ‘sport of kings’ really does have a way of bringing the high flyers back down to earth.
Picture: Stewart Chambers
