3 minute read
The old adage ‘good things come in small packages’ certainly applies to equine midget, Man of Persia.
Photo by Racing and Sports
The Shane Everson-trained gelding shoots for a hat-trick of wins at Ballina tomorrow (Saturday) in the Taylex Treatment Systems Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1905m.
“He’s only a little horse, a midget, but he’s going great,” the Grafton-based trainer said. “I’ve only had him for three starts. It’s always hard to string three together but we’re hoping he can do it again.”
Grafton-based Everson laughed when he revealed Man of Persia’s stable nickname was 'Jimmy'.
“He was called Midget when he was with Rodney Northam but I’ve already got a horse nicknamed Midget so one of the girls that works in the stable came up with Jimmy. It stuck.”
While miniature in stature, Man of Persia certainly has displayed great intestinal fortitude at his past two wins over 1600m at Ballina on November 12 and 24.
“Because of his size I’ve had to keep stepping him up in grade to keep the weight off him,” Everson said. “He just doesn’t handle big weights. I’ve had to jump classes and he’s up in grade again tomorrow.”
Man of Persia will carry 55.5kg with Ben Looker in the saddle who is the six-year-old Anabaa’s regular track rider.
“Ben has ridden him all his work and he reckons he’s a different horse since he’s been winning,” Everson said. “He’s normally not a flash trackworker.
“Now he thinks he’s a superstar. He comes off the track bucking and playing around. Before his last start win, Ben said her galloped enormous and he’s worked good since. He’s working good and feeling good within himself.”
Man of Persia had been a problematic eater when he first arrived at Everson’s stable. A change of diet has worked wonders.
“He used to be a terrible horse eating wise,” Everson confirmed. “Since I changed his diet he’s eating and working much better.”
