Racing: Friendship goes on hold when gates open

Bulginbaah. Photo / Christine Cornege

For about two minutes tomorrow a friendship generated by racing will have to be put on hold.

But when the Mudgway Stakes at Hastings is done and dusted for another year, rivalry will turn to revelry for two trainers, Wanganui's Catherine Wilson and Te Rapa's Kristine Stead, no matter the result.

Wilson has Wanganui wonder horse Bulginbaah entered, while American-born Stead will be cheering for her Jacowils.

The trainers became mates two years ago when Jacowils nosed out Bulginbaah to win the Foxbridge Plate.

"We were talking after the race and found we had plenty in common. She's a lovely person and a small-time trainer like me, so we hit it off straight away," said Wilson.

"We've kept in contact and visit her when we take the horse to Te Rapa."

Stead enjoys Wilson's company as well. "She probably thinks her horse is prettier than mine."

Stead actually thinks Bulginbaah hasn't been given enough kudos for his deeds.

"I think that horse is a legend. He deserves all the recognition he gets and probably doesn't get enough of it."

Both horses have been very good to their trainers.

Eight-year-old Jacowils has won $336,000 from 33 starts while 10-year-old Bulginbaah has racked up $677,000 from 77 starts - more than $1 million between them.

Both Wilson and Stead had even more in common again on Wednesday. Their gallopers drew badly for the Mudgway - 16 for Jacowils and 14 for Bulginbaah.