Barbarossa causes big upset in Cup

Today’s upset win by Barbarossa (Captaintreacherous) in the Taranaki Steelformers Stratford Cup was a good tonic for Cambridge trainer Ben Butcher who’s been absent from raceday driving for five months whilst recovering from a head injury.

The 2100 metre stand was a messy affair and on the second attempt to dispatch the large field, Red Rackham and Village Rebel collided, dislodging their drivers.

While all that was happening, driver Zev Meredith got a clear start and Barbarossa was in front with a lap to run.

“There was a bit of trouble at the start with a couple taken out, which probably made it a bit easier,” Butcher said.

As the field straightened for the run to the winning post, there were chances right across the track. But Barbarossa toughed it out to beat Louezyana by a neck, with half a head back to Boudica and a nose to Mhai Surfer Girl.

“He stuck on good up the lane. I thought there’d be a few that would run past him, but he was quite tough so I was rapt. It was a great result because it ended up being a free win. He (Meredith) drove it really well and I sent him a message after the race to let him know.”

BARBAROSSA REPLAY

Barbarossa paid $58.00 and $9.40. Surprising since he was a last start winner.

“He can run good races at times but it’s just whether he wants to do it. He’s in the zone at the moment and in a good patch of form. It’s great for the owners because they’ve been with me since I started. They’re a great bunch. Easy going and (they) never put any pressure on me, even when I had the big crash.”

The accident Butcher is referring to was at Alexandra Park in late August.

“I’ve been back driving horses at home for a few months now but with raceday driving I haven’t really made up my mind yet. I’ve been cleared to go for a few months, but I’ve just got to get my confidence back. For the last two months I’ve been doing it pretty much full time and I haven’t had too much trouble with my head. I’m really enjoying the training side of it now and the driving isn’t the most important thing anymore. I never thought I’d go to the training side but I really enjoy it now.”

It’s not the first time the Cambridge horseman has been injured, but this last time was different.

“I’ve bounced out of all the other ones pretty well but the head knock really shook me. I’ve had a talk to a few people like Frank Cooney. He told me to take my time and to just drive the nice ones. I’m still young and I’ve got to do the right thing for my daughter Maeve. She actually turns one tomorrow so the win was a nice birthday present (laughter).”

Butcher said Barbarossa will stay on and race in Sunday’s Hawera Pacing Cup.

“There shouldn’t be any problems with him. He’s a horse with a great constitution, loves racing and you don’t have to do too much with him between races.”

The win was the ninth for the seven year old.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink