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Kempsey Cup winner Geronimo Jack, who chases a hat-trick of wins on his home track at Coffs Harbour tomorrow (Friday), has built up an unusual and finicky fan club.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The 10-time winner of 57 races is idolised in trainer Peter Goodenough’s mother’s (Molly) local street; but only when he’s winning.
“Every time he goes around he’s got every $2 punter in mum’s street backing him,” Goodenough said.
“I’ve got to be careful though. They all come out and say hello when he’s winning. When he gets beat the curtains come down pretty quickly.”
Geronimo Jack steps out in the Coffs Harbour Toyota Benchmark 70 Handicap (1415m) with regular jockey Peter Graham aboard. Graham has a major influence on how the six-year-old gelding performs Goodenough suggested.
Earlier this campaign Geronimo Jack’s form tapered, a combination of “pilot errors” and racing up in distance against better quality opposition until he struck top form again starting with the Kranbach Hcp at Taree on October 19.
“Peter knows the horse and not only that, they get along well together,” Goodenough said. “Geronimo Jack is a big free-wheeling horse. Peter is able to place him where he wants.”
Goodenough admits he is lucky to still be training the Umatilla gelding who is raced by Albie Bryant.
“The horse's lease was up. The family that own him (Hershe) allowed us to renew the lease,” Goodenough said. “I’m very appreciative of that. I would have hated seeing him go to someone else.”
Geronimo Jack has returned $118,045 prizemoney from 10 wins and 11 placings. After a fast-finishing third to Island Dane and Rodeo Playboy over 1600m at Taree on October 19, Geronimo Jack again stormed home to win over the same trip at Taree on October 30, before beating Better Not Doubt in the Kempsey Cup (1450m) on November 9.
Goodenough admits to playing a few tricks with the gelding to keep him happy: “I’ve changed his feed and exercise routine around to get his mind off the grind of training,” he said. “You’ve got to learn new tricks to keep his mind alert.
“He’s worked well, the horse is on his feed and happy. That’s how you’ve got to have him to produce his best.
“My one concern is he’s been up for a while. He’s do different to you and me. When you keep going to the well, one day there’s no water left. My job is done. It’s now up to the horse and Peter (Graham).”
