Canterbury galloper El Bee Darci proved camping in Central Otago works for horses as well as holidaymakers at Cromwell yesterday.
A chilled-out version of the often highly strung galloper produced a big finish to win yesterday’s 1400m open sprint for rider Tina Comignaghi.
Trainer Russell McKay described the 7yr-old as a horse that gets more agitated the further he goes from his Ashburton stable.
Travelling to Cromwell for yesterday’s meeting posed a big challenge which was overcome with the help of some comfortable accommodation courtesy of the Otago Racing Club.
"He just doesn’t settle too good being away from home, but thanks to the club. They gave me a couple of paddocks for the horses this year," McKay said.
"So he settled in like he was at home and I think that was the making of him winning.
"When I put him in the box [at the racecourse] this morning he kicked the door down, telling me he was ready to go," McKay said yesterday.
"He could be anything if he wants to do it, but it has been because of his wee attitude that he has let himself down at times.
"When he gets himself wound up he forgets he is a racehorse."
McKay is now hopeful the horse’s new-found attitude will help him win more races.
"I think he has turned the corner now, to be fair. But I will tell you more after the Kurow Cup."
El Bee Darci will stick to 1400m when he contests the Kurow Cup on December 30.
Punters may not have rejoiced, but Tapanui trainers Nikki and Barrie Blatch had plenty to celebrate when they produced the quinella in race 6 yesterday.
Mr Intelligence scored at $37 win odds over his stablemate Superstition, who was paying $16.
The Blatch-trained quinella paid $149.
