2013 SA Cup

[Toohard]

Silly question..

What do you want to do at the weekend for your birthday Lukey?

Well I don't want any presents from anyone. And I know a lots been going on and you and Mum are really busy and tired but you reckon you could spare a couple of days and we go for a drive again?

6AM Saturday morning...we in the car and west bound to SA.

We're not expecting anything this year. Not the heroics and magic of last year. Not anything. Just hoping and going for a drive. Apart from getting to spend some time with me lad (who becomes a teenager Sunday), there's always something memorable happens when we go for a drive to watch him.

He 'couldn't win' the Cordina race and 'couldn't win' the Ballarat race. He can't win this one either the experts already saying. That just gives us bit more confidence.

So off we go again. Full of hope and excitement. Maybe for the last time.

But I do know one thing for sure. When he hangs up the shoes it's going to leave a mighty big hole in our lives.

Go Trigger!!

[Smoken]

That is fantastic :) Hope the mighty Champion wins for you and your boy and all of Trigger's loyal fans!
Go Go Go Trigger!!!

[Toohard]

Thats 2014 SA Cup...

[Big Mac]

I recall after the MM Lance saying something about Smoken up not backing up in consecutive weeks as good as he used to. Let's hope he is wrong tonight!

[Big Mac]

Enjoy your trip to Adelaide with your son. I'm off to bendigo with my 6 yo son.

[Smoken]

What a race!
Congrats to CB on a great win. Smoken Up is just a freak beast!!! Hung in then sandwiched and just went under! Champion!

[Maorisidol]

What a race!
Congrats to CB on a great win. Smoken Up is just a freak beast!!! Hung in then sandwiched and just went under! Champion!

Trigger locked wheels from what I could see with Youranut which stopped him moving forward and CB got the edge after Trigger had to accelerate again, what a shame.
That's racing folks!

[Smoken]

Definitely looks like he locked wheels! If that hadn't happen, we all know the outcome. What do you guys think Triggers next race would be? I know Lance said that every race could be his last race :( I wish he could race forever, such is the admiration I have of this horse!

[littlelenny]

Congratulations to Carribean Blaster and connections. Another great Epic battle between these two champions.
Evangelos I dont know if we will ever see another horse like Trigger again at the age of 11 he's still going toe to toe with the best in Australasia.

[Toohard]

Enjoy your trip to Adelaide with your son. I'm off to bendigo with my 6 yo son.

Howd he enjoy it? We home few hours back. It was awesome! Nothing like it anywhere in our travels. The great race #2. The noise started when running up to bell. Just got louder. Just magic Dean.

He's a magnificent animal. Beaten on night but no disappoitment here. Just a magic night and glad we there. More to come but must go do something get the blood flowing through me arse again. Very numb. Long drive but worth every mile.

[Richard prior]

Looked to be a huge crowd Paul.

[Toohard]

Looked to be a huge crowd Paul.

Yes there was. It's a great night. Unreal atmosphere. Like I said before it's like old time harness racing night. Told me son about how it used to be in the old days many times. Hard to explain 'atmosphere' to someone. Need to experience it and he certainly has the last 2 years via our treks over for the SA Cup. Glad he knows what I'm talking about now. Even so reckon last 2 years have exceeded anything I ever saw.

Has a real 'carnival' feel about it. And in the big race, crowd on feet and roaring as horses came down straight for bell(siren). Couldn't even hear it. When Smoken Up poked his head in front going down back it got even louder. And didn't let up until they crossed the line.

Haven't been to WA for big race yet Rod. Get there one day...it's on my bucket list. And haven't been to NZ Cup, also on bucket list. Am told atmosphere both places something similar. We've been everywhere else and in all our treks, to Miracle Miles, Interdoms, Vic Cups, Hunter Cups, Breeders Crowns, etc there is nothing that comes anywhere near the SA Cup in terms of atmosphere. It's unmatched.

Some nice touches after SA Cup race (don't know if shown on TV coverage):

Andy Gath running out on track when horses returning to shake hands with Lance

Kate Gath took Caribbean Blaster away from area where after race interviews were being done earlier. Don't know if deliberate but meant Smoken Up came back to weigh in area by himself. Gave crowd chance show him their appreciation. And they did.

Don't know why atmosphere so different. Maybe we worry too much about times and stuff over in the east. In SA no one cares about that. Just care about the race and the horses and very passionate about it.

No need to comment any more about Smoken Up. All been said already and really nothing more to say. Outstanding champion. Had feeling something special would happen and it did.

Caribbean Blaster a great horse. Congrats to the Gaths and connections.

Said son on way home yesterday "Disappointed mate?" Looked at me stupid! Said "How could anyone be disappointed with that?"