She doesn't really. She was born on the 1st October 2018. But the racing world decrees that all horses have the same birthday. On whichever day they nominate. They changed the traditional date a few years back, which threw breeding times into chaos ... except for those horses already bred to suit those folk angling to sell their foals overseas. Daft, isn't it. The Establishment rattles on about initiatives to keep racehorses in New Zealand, and then enacts measures to facilitate selling young horses abroad! But one learned long ago not to expect coherency from the racing Establishment.
So Emily is officially six. Like the Queen (I mean, King) she has two birthdays: a real one and an invented one. And in the three months between the two, the little darling has won two races! 4 October and ... back at her beloved Winton as recently as 12 December ...
Yep. There she is. And not another horse in sight as she cruises across the line ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjKAFnHIu1o
So, there she goes, up a class, in accordance with the foolish 'points' system (invented to 'keep horses in the country' and seemingly having quite the opposite effect) in vigour at the moment.
Anyway, if you want to play the game, you have to play it to the rules of those who have a monopoly on it. It would just be nice if those powers that be didn't change them to suit ... who?
In Emily's case, with help from trainer Kirstin Green and driver Mark Hurrell, the system has got her into, now, back racing against what are, undoubtedly, her 'peers', so the next year, if it may not be as prolific in wins as these last months, should see some jolly battles.
Alas, that is not for just yet. The wee girl came home from sunny Invercargill with a cough, so while NZ Trackside is supplying us with the best choice of holiday racing ever (welcome largely, Matt Markham!), she has been recouping her health on the green, green grass of Tisbury. Just get well and strong, our dear Em. You and your back-up team have given us a grand 2024, we can wait a little for 2025!
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