IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY

Saw a cartoon recently that summed up horses perfectly: basically it opined that horses are only afraid of two things – things that move … and things that don’t.

Yearling handlers presently on the Gold Coast would concur about the ‘flighty’ nature of their charges, especially when it comes to bunting that he even shows of a hint of flapping.

However, as ANZ Bloodstock reported yesterday, the Gold Coast heat has produced a win for valour over discretion for the Bel Esprit colt from Jezeera.

ANZ takes up the yarn …

The day before the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast begins the heat was well and truly on at the sales complex on Monday, writes Darryl Sherer. Under a sweltering sky the temperature soared and it was hard work for those working their way through inspections, and even harder for staff and horses.

The more ingenious of horse staff found different ways of keeping their horses cool but the prize of the day belongs to Eliza Park Stud manager Jenny Saunders. Standing with the Bel Esprit colt out of Jezeera (Jetball), the bay was happy to stand in front of an industrial fan dispensing a fine mist of water, keeping both horse and handler cool.

“He loves it,” Saunders said. “I tried it this morning and he loved it, he drags me over to it now.” Lot 670 is, like Bel Esprit’s unbeaten daughter Black Caviar inbred to Vain, and he is a three-quarter brother to the Group-placed Tollesprit. He has been out plenty of times to take advantage of the relieving mist. “We left 40 degree heat in Victoria last week and now we’re here but we expect the heat and it’s great that the fans are here to help, it makes a difference.”

Eliza Park’s John Jeffs reported that inspections had been steady. “We’ve been busy and getting busier, which is good. We have got some nice horses here and certainly the Bel Esprit colt is already proving very popular.”