Emotional harness racing win for Dickie

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

That’s What We Do’s win in the Auckland Cup Night May 27 – Book Now Trot (2200m) may not be trainer John Dickie’s biggest victory but it was certainly the most emotional.

Dickie bred and owns the gelding with his late friend Richard Bright.

Bright was one of five people who tragically died last month after the charter boat Enchanter sunk at North Cape.

Dickie has been in disbelief at the loss of his longtime friend and one-time business partner, but took some satisfaction out of getting Friday’s win.

“I still can’t believe it that he has gone,” Dickie said. “I am sure he is looking down and would be rapt (with the win tonight).”

The pair were partners in the Clubhouse Sports Bar at Cambridge for a few years and enjoyed success on the track.

Headlining the pair’s success was Great Getaway, the dam of That’s What We Do.

The daughter of Dream Vacation was bred by Dickie and raced by the pair.

“She was a good mare to us,” Dickie said. “She won 10 races and over $100,000.

“We unfortunately lost her this year, she died foaling (a Speeding Spur filly), but luckily we were able to save the filly.

“We sold a colt out of the mare to Barry Purdon last year by Father Patrick and he really likes him.”

That’s What We Do is the fourth foal out of Great Getaway and became her fourth winner, and he did it in style, running out to a 4-3/4 victory over Trifolium.

Dickie said he has had a high opinion of the gelding for some time.

“I told Richard before that I thought a lot of him. We have been very patient,” he said.

“I said to Richard that he will take the most time (of her foals), he is big and light-framed and is still very weak, but I think he could be the best one he has bred. I have got a lot of time for him.”

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