Age no barrier for Irishmurphy

The Hamilton-based Barker harness racing team has been enjoying a nice run of success this season, but a win this week is sure to be a standout for some time to come.

At 12 years of age, bay gelding Irishmurphy (Dream Away-Crossmaglen (Beach Towel)) was not only the oldest horse in the Decron Pace at Horsham on Monday afternoon, but he was also totally ignored in the betting starting a 70/1 outsider.

“He’s still got a bit to offer because he’s very sound and obviously still has a zest to win,” elated reinsman Rod Barker said.

“I reckon we got headed at one point up the home straight. But he’s so honest, without being a star, and wouldn’t give up. He just kept kicking to the line.

“He has his near side eye blocked up so he couldn’t see the ones on his inside. But when some came at him down the outside, they were in his view, and he did dig in.”

IRISHMURPHY REPLAY

Irishmurphy, trained by Rod’s father and legendary horseman Jim, has now won seven races, adding to victories at Maryborough, Wedderburn, St Arnaud, Melton, Terang and Mt Gambier – the Horsham victory was his third for 2022, with the veteran pacer failing to weigh in only once in 11 starts this season.

“We’ve worked out that after four or five runs, it’s best to toss him out for 10 days and keep him fresh. It’s something that works well on the old fellas because they know their way around the racetrack!” Barker said.

“Russell Cook, who part-owns the horse with six others, was training him up near Ballarat. When he had to have a back operation, he gave up the horses.

“We were training another horse which some of them had shares in. When they came up to look at it, they asked if we could take on some of the others.

“We’ll have a go, we said! And it’s worked out well because Irishmurphy is easy to work.”

Barker said while he doesn’t have many drives these days, he still thoroughly enjoys it.

“I’m the second stringer behind one of our daughters in Jackie. But I’m okay with that because she’s driving really good,” he said.

“Jackie and a nephew of mine in Chris Walsh do most of the fastwork with our team, while I tend to concentrate on the breakers. We’re doing a team of about 20 and there’s eight or nine babies so we’re kept busy.”

Barker used to travel the length and breadth of the State years ago when he was in big demand as a freelance driver. He was always regarded as a patient driver, who would coax the best out of his charges.

He now has driven 1285 wins for more than $3.5M in stakes.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink