IT’S remarkable how many in the grandstand think you go buy a horse, give it a gallop or two and take it to the races.
Wouldn’t that be wonderful!
That certainly hasn’t been the career path of GENUINE AL, winner of a Class 1 at Toowoomba on Saturday night.
That doesn’t sound too much to skite about, but given the Atlante gelding is four and he has two wins from just four starts, it is a testament to ultimate patience by trainer PAUL DUNCAN.
After buying him at Karaka for decent money as a yearling, Paul loved Genuine Al when he first put him into work and particularly after he won on debut this time last year, but attitude was always going to be a hurdle to clear.
Barrier 11 put paid to the NZ-bred second up after which Paul knew a decent spell would help, particularly after a fair spell and one more start. He had that and was given a course of equestrian work and barrier work with Johnny Robbins.
“Johnny is a wonderful horseman and what he did with Genuine Al was perfect for him. He’d taken him to the barriers and walk around behind them quietly and it worked. He came back into the stable and he was a different horse – he’d grown up physically and mentally.”
Saturday night’s jockey Luke Tarrant also has a new appreciation of Genuine Al. Paul: “I sent strict instructions to Toowoomba with the horse that no one was to go up in the barrier with him. He’d given Luke a few things to deal with in the early days and now he understands him.”
Tarrant agrees. “He gigs and jags a bit, but once you get to know him he’s fine. He just needs to be loaded last.”
Genuine Al quickly worked to the lead, like his sire did when he won the Gr1 2000 Guineas in New Zealand. He started to ease up when he went clear in the home straight, but his waiting for the others ended when Luke Tarrant reminded him of his job.
“He was never going to get beaten,” said Tarrant. “Once he got to the front early he got into a beautiful stride. He was always travelling.”
Like many horses, it has taken manpower to iron out Genuine Al and Duncan is proud of the work done by his senior staff, regular trackwork rider Tennille and stable manager Wally.
“He’s a lovely horse with plenty of strength and he’s ready to put it together.”
Loyalty might be something that has waned slightly, if not majorly, in recent decades of horse racing and Paul is delighted to have had the backing in most of his purchases since arriving from his 4-time Gr1-winning career in New Zealand nearly a decade back of two huge stable supporters.
“Bob Burt and Alan Williamson have been great supporters of mine and I’m thrilled they are with me with Genuine Al.”
Images courtesy of Trackside Photography
