3 minute read
Australian rodeo legend Ray Hermann believes Bollente can earn another campaign aimed at the Country Cups Challenge Final in Brisbane when the gelding returns to Townsville’s Cluden Park on Thursday.
Bollente was allotted a massive 63kgs in the Open Handicap over 1609 metres but will carry three kilos less for apprentice Emma Bell
Ray Hermann, who has a small team in work at Winton in central Queensland, qualified Bollente for last year's Country Cups Challenge Final before an injury forced him out of the Brisbane feature.
"We were all set to go to Brisbane for the Final when he hurt his fetlock in the paddock," Hermann said.
"I want to have another go this year but we've got to find some suitable set weight races for him.
"He's used to carrying big weights but weight stops a train and it takes its toll eventually."
Bollente lumped 64kgs to victory at his last start when ridden by apprentice Alisha Ross over 1300 metres at Barcaldine on April 3.
It was the fourth win from his last six starts for the five-year-old son of Sizzling
"He was given 63kgs after his Barcaldine win but he'll only have 60 tomorrow with three kilos coming off," Hermann said.
"He's won with 65.5kgs at Barcaldine last year so he should easily carry 60kgs and I think he'll win again."
Hermann is confident Bollente can continue his rise to fame on the country circuit and rates the Alby Molino-trained Best Hoffa as the hardest to beat.
Bollente was bought for $20,000 by Hermann's father Clarie at an online bloodstock auction in 2019 after failing to win in four starts for Sydney trainer John O'Shea.
Under Hermann, Bollente has earned almost $93,000 with 12 wins in his 33-start career.
Hermann has earned his living in recent years training horses after being a seven-time Australian rodeo champion in his younger says.
The 62-year-old was born and bred in Winton in the State's central west and has been a member of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association since 1974.
He qualified 10 times for the Australian Professional Rodio Association finals, winning the title seven times from 1980 to 1987.
He also claimed two world titles in in 1978 and 1981.
