3 minute read

On a day that is supposed to be filled with joy, family and friends Bowen was shocked to find his in-form mare Harada Tat Tat caste in her box following an inspection of his horses.

Harada Tat Tat had somehow suffered a neck injury, the problem putting an end to her immediate campaign when she was in great form.

Enter ‘muscle man’ Dale Felton. Felton worked his magic on the five-year-old mare who had just over a week off recovering.

It was an unwanted setback but part and parcel of the racing game. And it happened just when the mare, a brilliant last start winner in track record time at Lismore, promised so much.

“It was a real shame it happened when it did because she was in such good form,” Bowen suggested. “She had to have some time off.”

It’s been 40 days since the mare last raced but Bowen took the opportunity to give her a freshen up. Harada Tat Tat has turned into an iron mare for Bowen.

Since she had her first start under Bowen’s name back in November last year, the longest she’s been away from racing is six weeks.

“She’s as tough as nails,” Bowen enthused. “She comes home after racing and never leaves an oat. I’ve just given her little freshen up’s every so often.

“She loves her racing.”

Harada Tat Tat also loves racing on her home track where she has recorded two wins and a third from three attempts.

“Yes she loves Lismore,” Bowen conceded. “She won really well before the setback. My owner said her time for the 1100m metres was a track record.”

Bowen’s problem on Saturday is the mare’s barrier, gate 11.

“She’s been in great form but it’s a shame about the barrier,” he said. “There’s only a short run to the first turn.

“The first couple of hundred metres should tell the tale.

“If she can begin well and get where we want she’ll be hard to beat. Electric KImbo is obviously the one to beat but even though she had to miss a bit of work I’ve got her as fit as I can. Whatever she does Saturday I’m sure she’ll improve on.”