Man and horse 25 years on

Harness racing trainer Bruce Blenheim’s partnership with Deliberator brought plenty of joy on the race track and, some 25 years on, his friendship continues with the retired pacer named Mick.

Foaled in 1987 by Most Chance out of Noble Tiger, Mick – his stable name – was owned and raced by Russell Edwards and showed in his first 10 starts that he might be something special, winning seven races, including four at Harold Park, for master trainer Brian Hancock.

However, after developing a breathing problem and enduring a form slump around October 1992, Mick was transferred to Edwards’ brother-in-law Geoff Sanderson and trainer Bruce Blenheim.

Sanderson said they attended to his breathing problem with Ballarat vets and returned him to racing 12 months later in 1993. And he quickly rewarded them.

“Mick was a pleasure to have around the stable and Bruce soon developed a love for the horse, who could work alongside any horse,” said Sanderson, now Chairman of Stawell Harness Racing Club.

“He was even a paddock partner to Knight Pistol and worked alongside him when Bruce trained the pair.

“Mick was a great horse to have around the stable, an honest horse who kept his way earning over $102,000 in stakemoney.”

But their partnership ended abruptly in a 1997 claiming race at Horsham, when Deliberator was purchased.

“That saddened Bruce and after handing over the horse he asked that, when he ended his racing career, could he have him back so he could care for him and so he could live out his life back at Stawell,” Sanderson said.

Deliberator would race for Sue McIntosh for a further 13 months before being sent to Ashleigh Herbertson after a Moonee Valley claimer.

He’d campaign Deliberator in Albion Park until November 1998 before the pacer returned to McIntosh to race until his retirement in September 1999.

And, as requested, retirement would see him return to Blenheim’s care at his property near Stawell.

“When Bruce decided to retire and move into Stawell, Mick was moved out to Bruce’s daughter’s property to continue to be cared for by Heidi and Dane Smith, who train and race thoroughbreds,” Sanderson said.

“They have cared for Mick ever since, making sure he is well looked after and shows no sign of slowing. He’s still running around with the other horses in their care.

“Bruce continues to go out most days to help out and checks in on his mate Mick at the grand old age of around 33 years.”

Sanderson said Mick was a great example of a “tough, honest racehorse who gave his all at the races” and “Bruce’s love for his old mate gave him some great memories”.

“Mick continues to enjoy good health for a horse of his age. The vet checks on him while out attending to the other horses in the stable and feels he is in remarkable condition,” Sanderson said.

Deliberator raced 191 times for 25 wins and 40 placings.

By Harness Racing Victoria