Brad ready to live out an owner’s dream

Brad Walters’ relationship with Just Believe (Orlando Vici) began long before he eventually signed the papers to become a member of the horse’s lucky harness racing ownership group.

And now a bucket list trip to Sweden for one of the world’s most iconic races is about to become a reality for the 31-year-old from Yannathan.

Walters previously handled Just Believe while working with the horse’s former trainer Mick Hughes and then took up an opportunity to become one of his connections when the respected horse conditioner decided to retire from harness racing last year.

“There was really two horses there that I felt a really special bond with. One was Harry (Just Believe’s stable name) and the other was Visionary, so I took up a share in both of them,” Walters said.

“I always knew he was a good horse, but I never imaged he’d be as good as he is.”

And what a ride it’s been for Walters with the squaregaiter, who has grown into the country’s premier trotter since his move to the Myrniong stables of Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars.

An Inter Dominion Grand Final success and Great Southern Star victory have been among Walters’ reasons to celebrate, with a trip overseas now locked in courtesy of Just Believe’s invite to the Elitloppet.

Walters will fly out with his partner Emily Wells – the daughter of syndicate manager Malcolm – on Saturday and spend a week holidaying in Sweden before the race meeting at Solvalla on May 28.

“I love the trotters,” says Walters. “Nothing against the pacers, but there’s just a certain skill involved in trotters that amazes me in regards to what trainers can do.

“The Elitloppet is certainly something I’ve always been interested in and it’s been on the bucket list, so when Harry got the invite I didn’t even hesitate to say I was going.”

Walters said he would be thrilled with whatever Just Believe was able to achieve in the Elitloppet.

“He could finish 100 metres behind the field and I’d be proud of him,” he said.

“But I think he’s got the capability to finish, in the very least, with them. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t even beat one home at least in the heat.

“That horse has got that much heart and he just wants to do it – he’s such a professional.”

And if Just Believe happened to become the first Australian-trained horse to reach the Elitloppet final with a top four finish in his qualifier?

“I’d be beside myself,” Walters said.

“I fell over after the Inter Dominion win, I don’t know I’d be able to get up after a heat win.”

Just Believe will depart Australia tonight, with Greg Sugars partnering him on the journey to Sweden where he will be stabled at the property of legendary trainer Stig Johansson.

In total, 14 of the horse’s owners will make the trip overseas to see him race in the world-famous event.

by Tim O’Connor, for Harness Racing Victoria