Image: Trackside Photography
Ben Dorries
The Big Goodbye fought his rivals off from everywhere as he nailed a tough win at Eagle Farm for a huge group of owners.
The Big Goodbye harnessed the famous Rocky III theme song Eye Of The Tiger as the sprinter refused to fly the white flag and gave another dollop of joy to his huge band of owners.
The micro-syndication Qld Rogues ownership group roared from the Eagle Farm grandstands as the Rob Heathcote trained sprinter defied all challengers to prevail in the 1200m Open Handicap.
They had their chance to run down the Big Goodbye late, but he fought like a tiger to keep them all at bay including a late lunge from the back-to-form Tony Gollan galloper Hilal.
“I’ve seen his fighting spirit for his last 20 runs, he is that type of horse,” Heathcote said.
“I said to Ange (jockey Angela Jones) before we went out, ‘let them come to you’.
“Because you know when it really becomes a fight, this horse is going to dig so deep.
“I thought Hilal would improve a lot today, because he is a quality horse, and when he came you could see we just had enough in the tank to win.
“I love training for the Qld Rogues, it’s a great concept.
“Have a look at all these people here cheering this horse home, wow, what a good time they are having.
“He just brings so much joy and happiness to so many.”
Multiple Group 1 trainer Heathcote said, “every hurdle I set in front of this horse, he clears it with air to spare.”
Heathcote will take time to consider the plan for The Big Goodbye going forward, knowing that the races are only going to get tougher when the doorstep of the winter carnival approaches.
You can read the full story plus catch the race replay HERE