For those who like the day off work on their birthday, spare a thought for the horses which still had to go around in variable winter conditions at Thoroughbred Park on Friday.
Horses born in the southern hemisphere all have their birthday on August 1 as the breeding season begins at the start of spring to coincide with the 11-month equine gestation period.
It was hardly perfect conditions at Canberra; the weather alternated between clear, rain and sleet throughout the day, making it difficult for all involved.
While the conditions were tough, some took advantage, and the Mick Miladinovic-trained Cumberland Range was one that excelled by finally breaking through in a 1400-metre maiden after six placings from 12 starts.
The betting suggested it would be a two-act fight between the Beautiful Crown gelding and fellow Canberra galloper Cherokee Warrior. The punters were spot-on. The favourites were side by side as they led the field onto the straight, but Cumberland Range proved the stronger, powering home to beat the Barbara Joseph and Paul Jones-trained galloper by a length.
"A credit to Richard [Bensley]," Miladinovic said. "He did a good job and rode him beautifully. Once he kicked away I thought we were home and hosed, but when I saw Barbara's [horse] coming initially, I was a bit worried."
Miladinovic said he was not confident leading into Friday’s race, but it was not the weather or track conditions that stemmed his confidence. He was concerned about the 59-kilo impost Cumberland Range had, but it was more the chance of deja vu that had the Canberra trainer worried.
"He's been a very unlucky horse," Miladinovic said. "He's had quite a few different trials with changing his feed and stuff like that.
"I was confident that I had the horse right and that he would run a good race, but I was still worried because he had been so unlucky, and you have it in the back of your head that he'll probably run second again, or there will be excuses again."
Miladinovic is hopeful Friday’s win at Thoroughbred Park will be the first of many.
"I think we've finally worked him out and we can go forward with him now," he said.
