I love racehorse names.
So bear with me while I rattle off a few that attracted my attention these past few days, and that might be of interest to you.
STRANGELY NAMED
Last night in Hong Kong, at the Happy Valley race meeting, race caller Brett Davis described the all the way winner called Lucky Girl as a big gangly actioned thing. Which was true. The horse was born and raised in Australia and sold to Hong Kong interests a few years ago. Hugh Bowman once rode the horse at Sha Tin.
Anyway, the race last night was of interest to me for two reasons. Firstly, during the call Davis called one horse Witness Humper. Which he quickly corrected as he laughed, saying he’s working his backside off . It’s actually called Witness Hunter. But the winner fascinates me the most. Lucky Girl, raced in Australia as More Soccer, but that’s not even it. Lucky Girl is in actuality a 7YO….gelding!
WELL NAMED
Fans of old American cop shows will relate to this one. Travanti. The horse is a 2YO, on debut today at Wyong and is very fast. He’s by Written Tycoon from the mare Hill Street Blues. There’s your cop show. And the main character of Hill Street Blues back in the day was Captain Frank Furillo, played by – Daniel J. Travanti. This was a great TV show, one of the very very best. I hope this horse wins today.
NAMES MOVED
You might know these names and perhaps even wonder where they are. Well, here’s a few that have been relocated to other racing areas abroad in the past month.
OLD NORTH (Lonhro-Bernicia) won 4 races and $317,000 in Australia. Has been shipped to start a new racing career in China.
SOUCHEZ (Lonhro-Vimy) won 3 races and $385,970 in Australia. Has been shipped to start a new racing career in China.
PARET (Harbour Watch-Enduja) won 4 races and $271,920 in Australia. Has been shipped to continue his racing in the United States after a bleeding attack.
MURAAHIB (Reset-Sultah) won 4 races and $214,600 in Australia. Has been shipped to continue his racing in Singapore.
SO YOU TOO (So You Think-Modonna) won 6 races and $291,290 in Australia. Has been shipped to Singapore to continue racing.
And here’s one that fascinates. His name is CAPTAIN AUSTRALIA and he’s an unraced 2YO who won a barrier trial very, very easily with his head on his chest. Bjorn Baker trained before he was sold last month to Chinese interests. He’s by the sire of the moment Sidestep from the mare Adjourn.
He’s probably the most relevant at the moment given Avengers: End Game is out there right now breaking box office records. Wait, what…there’s no super hero Marvel character named Captain Australia in it?
Who cares.