Racing: Partner's success will leave sad memory

Dave Freeman qualifies as the unhappiest person to lead a winner back in racing's living memory.

Tears streamed down the face of Freeman as he led Spirit Of Alaton back through the birdcage for his partner, winning trainer Rachael Frost.

Freeman part-owned Mr Charlton, who died after suffering a heart attack early in the race.

"That's got to be hard to do," said Frost in admiration.

Freeman embraced the spirit of the thoroughbred industry when he broke into a smile over a coffee one hour later.

Most would have tried something a little stronger.

"I've had a lot of bad luck in racing.

"I had a really good horse on the way through and it broke a hind leg in the paddock at home.

"It shows you don't need to be racing to strike trouble.

"You've got to try and keep smiling and keep going."

Gary Vile has seen a lot of racing, but he was devastated by the demise of Mr Charlton.

"He was a champ jumper in the making - I hadn't put the pressure on him.

"Not since Sounds Fair 20 years ago have I had a jumper as good."

* Ashburton horseman Tommy Hazlett summed up the thoughts of everyone as he walked back into the Te Rapa jockeys' room after the Waikato Hurdles.

"You're a hard man, Rogey."

Graeme Rogerson smiled back.

Hazlett's almost-affectionate comment was after Rogerson had orchestrated Cape Kinaveral regaining his feet after falling at the last fence and making it to the winning post with Chad Ormsby on his back to pick up the vacant fifth prize of $840.

Stewards had to give a ruling on whether Cape Kinaveral was entitled to the $840 when going across the line six minutes after the winner Spirit Of Alaton and being led by Graeme Rogerson.

They deemed the horse to be an official finisher.

Cape Kinaveral was checked when Kidunot and Vivaldi's Gone fell with a round to travel and later suffered a heart fibrillation, which probably contributed to his falling at the last.