Who doesn’t love seeing sports people celebrate?
All of us, right?
Hmm, think again.
The stewards at Warrnambool of Day 1 of the big Bool Three Day Carnival became unhappy when they saw winning rider Darry Horner stand high in the irons and scream out his joy as his mount FLYING AGENT (Raise The Flag – Nancy Wake) crossed the winning line clear of the rest in the $150,000 Brierly Steeplechase.
After 3450m in which he rode the perfect race to charge past the brave leader BIT OF A LAD (Ladoni – Regal Heights). Horner could not contain his joy.
So, as professional horseman can do, he rose, pointed to the horse, showing his appreciation for such a stunning effort, looked for his sister-in-law in the birdcage and screamed with pure ecstasy.
His winning ride earned him $4,125. Stewards fined him $1000 for being happy.
What many people don’t realise is that Horner is the brother-in-law of the trainer Amy McDonald, and this horse Flying Agent means a great deal to them both.
He is a family favourite and he is the “reason I get up every morning to train horses,” said McDonald.
The fine was too harsh. The horse and rider were well clear of their rivals and this sort of thing is pure theatrical magic that all sports need.
Watch 📺 Darryl Horner rises in the irons as the horse approaches the winning post 👇
