The one-eyed pacer who loves to win

The five-year-old gelding collected his eighth career victory thanks to a dominant front-running performance at Ballarat on Wednesday night (Nov. 9), with the result being his sixth triumph since complications from an ulcer forced the removal of his off-side eye in 2021.

It has been an amazing effort to nurture Gauci back to racing from current trainer Kate Hargreaves, who had not even had a start with the gelding when his issues first surfaced.

“Garry (Collinson) bought him, then he lost the eye and we had to wait about 12 months from the time he bought him to when he finally raced. It’s been a game of patience,” Hargreaves said.

“As bad as it sounds, I think it was a blessing in disguise for him. Before it happened, he wasn’t a nice horse to deal with, he had a bad attitude and was a bit nasty. After the accident, he turned really sweet and it toughened him up a bit.

“He’s showed a lot of resilience adapting to having one eye. We have to make some modifications for him around the stables to make life easier, but all in all he’s dealt with it so well.

“He’s gone on to win six races since and is a real favourite to everyone. He’s just a beautiful horse to have around and we all love him.”

Hargreaves, who trains from Shelbourne, said Wednesday night’s win was extra special given young reinsman Sean O’Sullivan’s part in it.

“I have a lot to do with the O‘Sullivans through Shannon and they are a great family who are always willing to help me out in any way they can. So I was glad I could give Sean an opportunity to drive a winner,” she said.

“He drove him perfectly and held his nerve around the last turn when they were all coming at him.

“And obviously with Garry and Kim owning him, they are very loyal owners of mine and have become my good friends. I love training winners for them. All in all, it was just awesome.”

Gauci, who is also part-owned by Frank and Suzanne Harris, now has eight wins and over $47,000 in prizemoney from 63 career starts.

For complete race results and replays, click here.

by Tim O’Connor, for HRV