3 minute read

A key trait for trainers and owners in racing is patience and perseverance.

Without it, it will almost certainly test your resolve and resilience.

Injuries, bad luck, misfortune, it has the propensity to dash and cruel hopes.

On the other hand, if you land a win, the emotional and financial returns are untold.

Graeme Ayres has been through it all as a trainer; he's experienced the full range of emotions in racing.

At York on Monday Ayres was cast in a dual role, but a successful one as owner and trainer.

The ownership part came after Global Conflict finally broke through after seven tries when leading all the way in a 1100m handicap.

It kick-started a successful Easter York meeting for Ayres after he prepared Red Inferno to win later in the day.

Although delighted with Global Conflict's overdue win, there was a small element of frustration attached to it as well.

Ayres always maintained the Ouqba mare had some talent and was keen to impart that knowledge to the rest of the ownership group.

After an encouraging debut at Bunbury last January when a close third to City Cruiser, optimism for all connections was high.

However; from that point on all hopefulness had been knocked out of the park when she failed badly at her next five starts.

At her previous two runs at Belmont and Pinjarra in February, her combined losing margin was close to 20 lengths.

Frustrated she couldn't deliver on his expectations, Ayres handed over the training duties to good friend, Misty Bazeley.

It proved a successful move. The four-year-old relished a change of environment and responded to Bazeley's handling.

"She's always shown massive promise, but wasn't very good to handle," Ayres told The Races WA.

"I always knew she could gallop and could work her with anything on the track.

"But then she's had allergies and whatever could go wrong along the way did.

"Down where I am near Pinjarra I have a lot of gum trees that flower and we found that they were acting up with her allergies.

"Her last couple of runs she wasn't doing what she should so that's when I transferred her to Misty (Bazeley).

"She turned the corner and showed what she can do.

"It was bittersweet because we always wanted her to win for us, but I thought it was the right thing to do for everyone.

"I kept telling the other owners if she gets to the races and races on her work she will just win.

"I think everyone is very happy with the result."

With her illness and attitude away from the track, Ayres had no reservations in sending Global Conflict to Bazeley.

Now settled in the former jockey's care, Ayres hopes a confidence-boosting win is the forerunner to future victories.

Bazeley and her husband, trainer, Aaron Bazeley, have not only helped turn Global Conflict's form around, they have been strong supporters of Ayres and his family.

"My wife had a heart attack about 18-months ago and they sort of work in with us, they are friends," Ayres said.

"Misty had some of our horses on and off when they were younger and were just broken in.

"She knew Global Conflict and the horse only likes who she likes, if she doesn't she will soon show it.

"I think Misty is really happy with her and hopes we can do it a second time."

Ayres said Red Inferno, who burst clear to win by 1 ¼ lengths, will back up in Saturday's Westspeed Platinum Final at Ascot.