3 minute read
Asked to inspect Go Errol as a yearling by one of her clients, Group 1 winning Trainer Barbara Joseph declared that the horse in front of her would never win a race.
However, the usually eagle-eyed Barbara Joseph was wrong in this instance with the unwanted gelding going on to win no less than 25 races in a career that reaped almost $300,000 in prizemoney spurring Joseph's client to custom make her a hat with stitching that read "Go Errol – he'll never win a race".
Now 26-year-old, the 118 start veteran Go Errol is currently living an idyllic life back where his story begins, at his birthplace of Mane Lodge. A picturesque horse-haven located just 15 minutes north of Canberra, Mane Lodge represents the birthplace of many racehorses bred by owner operators Neil & Denise Osborne.
Go Errol holds a special place in the Osborne's hearts being born the same year that they opened the farm. 26 years later, the pair still enjoy having the gelding contribute to the success of their operation.
Go Errol secured victories at many country tracks but his greatest glories came at Eagle Farm and Rosehill where he won on multiple occasions. He was also placed at Flemington.
After a number of Trainer changes, he found himself back in the care of Neil Osborne in 2004. "He's a special part of the Mane Lodge family" Osborne said.
"He was born here the year we opened the farm and he's been here pretty much ever since."
"We gave him to a girl at Pony Club for a little while with the condition that when she got a boyfriend she had to give him back. And she did." Osborne laughed.
Go Errol's contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry didn't stop upon retirement with a stint as Clerk of the Course horse, a role reserved for those with an unwaveringly cool and calm demeanor. In more recent times he has travelled alongside inexperienced horses to educate and act as a companion. He also plays an important role as a "nanny" for recent born foals.
As spritely as ever, the 26-year-old Go Errol spends his days roaming Mane Lodge's lane ways providing advice to his younger peers and friendship to the Osbornes and their many staff.
