Racing: Race legend Bonecrusher ages friskily

Frank Ritchie compares himself with Bonecrusher and doesn't like what he sees.

The prominent Takanini horse trainer looks at the champion that took him to fame in the mid-1980s and marvels at his longevity.

And more specifically, a coat that you can shine up to see yourself in.

Not many horses get to 22, and those that do lose lustre.

"I look at his coat and can't believe what I see," says Ritchie.

"Then I look at my own skin and realise he's ageing a hell of a lot better than I am."

There is a suggestion that Red, as he was known when he terrified Australasia's thoroughbreds, is losing some of his sight.

"He might be picking things up a bit later than he used to, but don't worry, walk into his paddock with a bucket of feed and he doesn't have too much trouble spotting you."

Apart from the dropped belly, inevitable in older horses, you would never pick Bonecrusher to be 22 - more than 100 in human terms.

He looks more like a 6-year-old frolicking in his South Auckland paddock where he is cared for by Sharlene Mitchell, daughter of owner Peter Mitchell.

"I can't emphasise enough how nimble and supple he is," says Ritchie.

"He has a touch of arthritis, which is common, but it certainly isn't obvious. Even if that is due in part to the care he has been given, he's still a marvel."