There was hardly a dry eye at Ascot two weeks ago when Trix Of The Trade scored an emotional victory in the Railway Stakes (1600m) at Perth racing headquarters.
There are wins in sport and then there are wins, some have that unique and sentimental edge to them. This Railway victory was most definitely in the latter category.
There were storylines that tugged at the heart strings everywhere you looked.
The first focused on Colin Webster. The genial 82-year horseman was besieged by well-wishers after the $1.5 million race.
The outpouring of respect and adulation was palpable.
There is no argument he is universally admired and revered in WA and Australian racing circles.
Battling ill health and in the twilight of his training career, he scored a coveted G1 victory.
After Webster there is jockey Troy Turner. Modest and reserved in public, he let his emotions spill out when he stood high in the irons and gave a demonstrative salute of his whip passing the post.
Turner and Webster are like family. Their special bond and link goes back to when Turner was an apprentice to Webster. His mentorship has lasted a lifetime.
Then Bill and Pat Robinson, the former into his 90’s and a former jockey. The husband and wife owners knocked back huge offers for Trix Of The Trade after his dynamic three-year-old season.
Rejecting more than a million dollars for Trix Of The Trade might seem foolhardy for some, but at their stage in life the Robinsons are having too much fun watching the gelding race.
And of course, Trix Of The Trade. Side by side with Webster, the headline act in this remarkable racing tale.
Now, two weeks on, horse and trainer are preparing to climb the G1 mountain again. Can the sequel on Saturday be every bit as rewarding and emotional as the original a fortnight back.
Webster concedes winning the Northerly Stakes (1800m) will be a little bit harder and a little bit more difficult, there’s added layers of complexity attached to it.
Trix Of The Trade goes from handicap conditions of the Railway to weigh-for-age of The Northerly and as opposed to the Railway Stakes, he has drawn out wide.
Throw historical context into the mix and the hurdle to overcome can appear insurmountable.
Only five horses have won the Railway Stakes-Northerly Stakes double, Sniper’s Bullet the latest in 2009.
But despite history being against him, Webster’s daring to dream of a G1 double.
“He’s drawn the outside barrier, but it’s better for him,” Webster told The Races WA.
“It’s better than one or two because he’s a big striding horse that needs a bit of room.
“It’s a different scene now as he goes bottom weight at 53kg to 58 ½ kg weight-for-age.
“It will test him, but he is as fit as he was before the Railway.
“We are very happy with the horse and that’s the main thing.
“I don’t think he has improved, we had him at his peak in the Railway.
“I’m happy if he maintains the same fitness.
“I think he’ll be ok at weight-for-age, but you don’t know until you tried.
“He can carry weight, but at weight-for-age we’ll find out.
“He’s a nice fit horse and in a happy place at the moment.
“We’re hoping he can put in a great run.”
With the scratching of Last Of The Line, Trix Of The Trade will start from barrier 15-the widest gate in the Northerly.
To be ridden by Troy Turner, he’s $13 with Tabtouch.
Champion Sydney jockey James McDonald rides Cascadian, the market leader at $2.90.
According to Webster, the eight-year-old looms as the horse to beat.
“He’s a class horse that has raced in the very best company successfully,” Webster said.
“You gotta be worried about him, you have to.”
Earlier, Karalee Rocks can set a winning tone for Webster in the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet Handicap (1200m).
The current $2.45 favourite is unbeaten in two starts back this campaign.
“She’s going nicely and can be competitive in Saturday class.” Webster said.
“We’ve taken our time, but she is going along nicely.”
