Red Salute wins standardbred race at Kulin Bush Races

This year the Kulin Bush Races secured enough entries for an exclusive standardbred race, and although only four took battle in the fourth race on the day, it was one to be remembered, with Red Salute (Life Sign) taking honours at the bush meet in the 400m dash up the straight.

Successful on the official racetrack here in WA, Red Salute accumulated just over $265,000 in stakes for his owners Denise Trobe and Jeanine Diederich, with 142 starts under his belt for 18 wins and 25 placings, including the $50,000 Binshaw Classic in 2013.

Retiring in 2020, Red Salute (Life Sign x Gold Stature) was later sent to Bayley Thomas for the next stage of his life: re-educating the then 12-year-old for the ridden life, which led to him finding his forever lease home in Pippa Dee who has taken the now 15-year-old to the next level, successfully competing him in a range of disciplines, showing just how truly versatile the standardbred is.

“He’s a super little horse,

“He retired from racing and Jeanine and Denise (Trobe) approached me about starting him to saddle and finding him a forever lease home,

“He was a pleasure to work with and with his good looks and temperament didn’t take long to find the perfect match with Pippa.” Bayley Thomas said.

Since retiring, Red has turned his hoof at many different disciplines, including hacking and showjumping, with the pretty little bay turning heads wherever he goes.

Currently 21 weeks pregnant, Pippa was unable to ride Red herself this year, but when the club announced they would be running a standardbred exclusive race this year, she couldn’t let the opportunity slip away.

This year, her partner Kevin Water’s donned the riding attire and after only learning to ride seven months ago, piloted ‘Red’ to victory in a great display.

“Red was on the ball, he knew what to do and all Kev had to do was yell ‘go’ when the next horse started to catch up,

“Kev rode it beautifully and they won.” Dee said.

The win wasn’t just a special one for Pippa, but also his racing owners, with Denise Trobe explaining that she was in tears watching the replay of his win at Kulin on Saturday afternoon.

“Pippa sent me a text as soon as he won at Kulin and I was stoked and replied,

“Signals were bad up there, so we couldn’t talk,

“As soon as the video became available she sent it to me,

“I can still see that determination in his little head.” Trobe said.

Handing over the reins of her beloved Red was difficult for Denise, but a decision she knew she needed to make, as she was adamant that he needed a home where he would continue to be with people, not just a paddock ornament.

“Red is living his best life with her,

“It was an absolute thrill to watch the race and Red would have loved that competitive chance again,

“The racing psyche never leaves them.”

Unfortunately, with new rules being enforced last year, Red Salute is not allowed to race at Kulin again next year, with regulations stating that horses must not be over the age of 15 years, but he will continue his show career with Pippa for many more years to come.

“Kulin Bush Races don’t mean much to many, but the second career transformation no matter where, is very wonderful to watch.” Trobe said.

The Jilakin Classic Field:

Bobby Dazzler (Scratched)Island Fire (Scratched)Ebony StrideInfusedNothing In BetweenRed Salute

A replay of the Jilikin Classic for the Standardbreds can be viewed on the Kulin Bush Races Facebook page.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA