Bart Cummings once said patience is the cheapest thing in racing, but most people don’t use it.
In deference to the iconic trainer, it’s an accusation you can’t level at Eric Cain.
Cain’s patience as a horse owner has certainly been tested, but he stuck at it and now, along with a dedicated group of friends, he’s reaping the rewards.
Cain has been an investor in WA racing for multiple years and has achieved varying success along the way, but he couldn’t crack it for a win in town on a Saturday.
That Perth hoodoo finally ended for Cain at Belmont in February, courtesy of rejuvenated gelding, Sensessional, one of the most improved gallopers of the winter.
After 15 years of trying to make it in town, Cain’s wild ride kept going with Sensessional going on to record a further five straight wins from six starts in his most recent campaign.
Cain said Sensessional’s form turnaround came at the right time.
“I’ve experienced it all,” Cain said.
“I’ve had horses, but a lot of them didn’t make it.
“I must admit, this one, (Sensessional) I was thinking along the lines of having one more crack.
“I was thinking it was my last chance and I was going to give it away.
“Most people would have given up, maybe I’m just stupid.
“But, we’re back at it and have got a couple of others now, including Made In Mexico, who has won a couple.
“I’m really enjoying it this year and it’s been fun.
“Everyone who has been in it is just having a ball.
“I’m getting to the races and enjoying the whole thing.
‘There’s about 40 or 50 people in the syndicate.
“For me it’s bringing together all my mates, a reason to get together.”
Adding lustre to Sensessional’s winning spree has been the big bounce to his bank account.
After costing $50,000 as a yearling, he’s racked up $345,093 in prizemoney, bolstered by $152,700 in Westspeed bonuses
Cain said money earned has whetted the appetite of Sensessional’s owners ahead of next year’s Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
“The Westspeed money doubled his prizemoney,” Cain said.
“And a lot of the money has come in this spell.
“Everyone is happy and everyone has got plenty of money.
“We’re all talking about the next sale in February.”
In the stables of top trainers, Grant and Alana Williams, Sensessional is enjoying a well-earned break after ending his preparation on a winning note last month.
After riding the highs and lows of racing, Cain and syndicate owners are daring to dream big when the four-year-old resumes in the new year.
“We’re sort of aiming at races like the Pinjarra Classic,” Cain said.
“Around the 1400m to 1600m mark is the plan at this stage.
“We’ll revisit that in about eight to 10 weeks’ time.
“He still has maturing to do and that’s the exciting part.
“I’m trying to keep a lid on it, it can change as you know.
“Some of the owners are talking big, but there’s a long way to go before that.”