Pritchard chases home track success in Beaudesert Cup

Hobby trainer Jan Pritchard is hoping to make the most of the home track advantage with her first Beaumoor Beaudesert Cup runner when WHY WE DRINK lines up in Saturday’s feature race.

The well credentialled five-year-old gelding is Pritchard’s only horse in work and will carry top weight on his home track – which was the scene of his maiden victory and also his regular territorial trackwork antics.

“He’s a class clown,” joked Pritchard about WHY WE DRINK.

“If someone goes out onto the track before him he’ll carry on. Track manager Steve Andrews has been good with us letting us have the grass track early.

“He likes it as he’s not a day time sort of horse.”

Senior jockey Michael Cahill has been booked for the ride aboard WHY WE DRINK after the pair rekindled their partnership to produce a creditable first-up run on Ipswich Cup Day recently.

Despite experiencing a chequered passage in the run home, WHY WE DRINK finished just over 4 lengths from the talented Oughton over the 1350m in what was a quicker final 600m than the Listed Eye Liner Stakes on the same day.

“I was really happy with his first run back because he had every opportunity to throw the towel in,” she said.

“Michael Cahill is going to ride him on Saturday as he’s not a young rider’s horse.

“My horse can be a bit smart. Michael will keep him honest.”

The WHY WE DRINK journey has been a satisfying one for Pritchard, who bred and part-owns the horse with partner Brett “Hopper” Kenny and two other family friends who were encouraged to join them for the ride.

The ownership group know how to have fun at the races and will be trackside on Saturday to enjoy the day.

And as for the back story to the horse’s name?

“We were having an argument out on the deck one afternoon and ‘Hopper’ turned to me and said that’s what we’re going to call the next horse,” he said.

Pritchard said she was looking forward to saddling up her first Beaudesert Cup runner on what is one of the biggest days on the Beaudesert racing and social calendar.

“It’s a great day out, the whole atmosphere is good,” she said.

“It’s a lovely country meeting and it’s a friendly atmosphere while still being competitive.”

Tickets are available – https://www.gctc.com.au/event/beaudesert-cup-raceday/