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PERHAPS it takes a fellow trainer to know how Robert Hickmott feels after the Melbourne Cup.
With an historic six starters in yesterday’s race, the name of the one-time Wangaratta man was on many lips, including among those gathered at his hometown meet.
Despite Hickmott’s horses not performing as well as he might have hoped, Wangaratta horse trainer John Ledger said the milestone was nothing short of “outstanding”.
“To not have them fire up today would be very disappointing, but when he sits back and reflects on what he’s achieved he should be proud,” Ledger said.
“To win last year — the first and only trainer from the North East to win a Melbourne Cup — and then to have the achievement of six starters this year is an absolute credit to him and his team.
“What he’s done is fabulous, he’s really proved his dedication and his worth.”
Ledger, a stalwart of local horse racing, had his own success and disappointment yesterday.
Better Be Sure had a win in the biggest race at Wangaratta Racecourse, the A&J Perkins Builders 1170 metres, while his Flemington hopeful Landau finished last.
“Landau was an emergency for the last race at Flemington.” Ledger said.
“He’s still a young horse, so it’s good he just gets a run.
“It’s nice to have Better Be Sure back.
“He was looking like Melbourne material a few years back but keeps getting quarter cracks.
“We’ve been really patient with him and slowly and surely he’s racing back to the full.”
Ledger rated yesterday’s Melbourne Cup field the best ever.
The big day also attracted one of the best turnouts to Wangaratta in recent memory.
“This is a super day for racing in Australia because it takes it to all the mums and dads and the non-racing public,” Ledger said.
“The build-up since the (AFL) grand final has all been framed around this great race, and I think it’s really attracted the imaginations of the Australian people.”
The bookies would certainly have attested to that; doing a roaring trade all day, although not all were happy with the outcome of the Cup.
“The favourite didn’t do us any favours,” grumbled Neil Thomas, of Craig Parkes Bookmakers.
“I think everyone followed Gai (Waterhouse) ... All of Hickmott’s were there in the betting too.
“I would have liked the second horse (Red Cadeaux) to win — I might have got a nice little bonus out of that.”
Wangaratta’s Dennis Wilson wasn’t among the winners either.
“I think mine’s still racing,” the avid punter said drily.
Terry Vaughan, soaking up the sun trackside, agreed it got better each year.
“It tops off a good weekend, just after (Wangaratta) Jazz Festival, before having to head back to the hard slog tomorrow,” he said.
