Most people in the world are very familiar with the television show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’.
Well, when it comes to racing, Whorly Whorly is one question away from millionaire status, and on Thursday 31 August he could just get it right at the Vaal in Race 8, a MR 75 Handicap over 1400m.
This nine-year-old veteran trained by Clinton Binda has amassed R990,625 in stakes won in his career to date.
Having been asked to run a total of 79 times, he no doubt has used more than one lifeline and called in a few friends.
In his last outing, over the course and distance he faces here, he was very unfortunate when a 50-50 chance slipped through his hooves. Beaten just a quarter of a length into second, he would have achieved his goal if it wasn’t for Back To Basics.
But the old man is still in the game and could take this ‘veterans’ race, where eight of the 11 runners are six years or older.
“I’m 58 years old and when I get up in the morning, my legs are sore. I don’t know how he keeps on going, but he does,” said trainer Clinton Binda when asked about his runner.
“One of the main reasons I keep him going is because I would like him to win R1-million. We just don’t want to hurt him in the process. But I’m sure he’ll get there.
“Based on his last run, he’s definitely got a chance. He’s a big strong horse. But he is nine years old.
“His work is still good and he keeps on ticking along, but he will have to retire sooner rather than later. He is still sound and we are very happy with him.”
According to Binda, 1400m races down the Vaal straight are hard to come by and he would have liked to see Whorly Whorly get more opportunities over his best track and trip.
“His best track is the Vaal straight over 1400m,” said Binda.
“When his merit rating was still way over 100 he did his best work over the Vaal straight. That’s his best track and distance. He won a Listed race at that stage. But the Vaal 1400m races are actually very scarce.
“Running off a 65 now when he peaked at 111, it’s basically half of what he was. But he still performs.”
According to Binda the ‘old man’ isn’t going anywhere after retirement.
“He has a forever home. We keep him in work and run him every now and then, but time is not on his side.”
Clive Robinson
amazing