By Michael Guerin
Nobody loves consolation prizes.
They are nice and all and even more so when they come with winning part of the $200,000 stake Friday’s Allied Security NZ Pacing Free at Addington did.
Leap To Fame won that lion’s share with his lion’s heart carrying him to the winner’s circle just days after his humungous second in the IRT New Zealand Cup.
Most horses would have still been at home, having an nice nap in the Canterbury sun, but Larry did what Larry does.
He got up, went to work and as almost always happens when he is able to lead he won, holding out Republican Party and Merlin.
This was a Group 1.
No small deal and yet for Leap To Fame it was the “other” race he wanted to win this week.
You could tell as much as co-trainer Trista Dixon got Larry ready to leave Addington, as well as herding the kids while husband Grant was out on a catch drive in the last race.
“It has been a great week and obviously we didn’t get the Cup but he still went so well so we were really proud,” says Dixon.
“It is lovely to pick up this race and show everybody he still has it, which we never doubt.
“But I think he is looking to get home. He will fly to Sydney and have a night at Robbie’s (Morris) stables and then be home by I think Wednesday.
“He has been away from home for a long time and has done such a wonderful job.”
Leap To Fame looked like a horse who had been away from home for ages. We all know how it feels.
You get tired, miss your routine, things just become that little bit harder.
And sitting parked for 3200m in a New Zealand Cup wouldn’t have done a lot for his sense of humour either.
So yes we didn’t see the absolute best of Leap To Fame in the Free-For-All on Friday.
But even below his peak, tired after Tuesday and ready to go home, he won a Group 1 beating the best pacer in New Zealand this spring and the Free-For-All defending champion.
He achieved most horse’s career highlight as an afterthought.
Thanks for coming Larry, get home safe.
