Sue Laughton only owns one racehorse. She also happens to be the trainer of that racehorse, the aptly named ‘Vee Eight’!
What a combination between Sue and jockey Robyn Freeman-Key and the eight-year-old gelding, they have combined to win the coveted Goulburn District Race Club’s horse of the year title for the 2020/21 racing season.
Goulburn District Race Club CEO Robyn Fife believes it’s an achievement of real note.
“Our club hosts so many visiting trainers from metropolitan, provincial and country areas these days that you really need super competitive results to win a premiership title”, Ms. Fife said.
“Having a local horse (and trainer) win the title this year is something our club is thrilled with. For a trainer with only one horse in her stable to do it is even more amazing.”
The enigmatic galloper notched a productive six placings and a win on his home patch this season with Robyn Freeman-Key making the trek from Sydney to ride him every time he has gone around this season.
The horses’ trainer is extremely proud of the galloper’s efforts and the premiership title.
For Vee Eight to win Horse Of The Year Award is a big achievement,” Ms Laughton said.
“It is really provincial racing at Goulburn and for him to be ultra-consistent the whole season
“was great. A win recently was enough to secure it for us”.
Vee Eight is the sort of horse many owners would love to have. He handles all sorts of racing conditions and rarely puts in a bad showing despite him approaching ‘veteran status’ in the racing game.
Other premiership winners at Goulburn this year were as follows:
Jockey of The Year – Blaike McDougall who rode three winners in the final meeting of the season on the 30th July.
Trainer of The Year – went to regular visitors Gai Waterhouse / Adrian Bott who only clinched the title in the second last race of the twelve-month season.
Apprentice of The Year – Jean Overmiere
All 2020 / 21 premiership winners will be recognised at Goulburn’s first race day of the new racing season on Monday 9th August.
Photo: Bradley Photos
