Pinsson Back From The Brink For First Time Owners
3 September, 2017
Owners
A change of trainer, a new campaign, a different horse.
Maxine Payne has found the key to Pinsson, but modestly downplays her contribution.
The West Swan trainer deflects all accolades to Pinsson, a gelding who has fought back from the brink of racing’s scrapheap.
Pinsson was destined for retirement, his racing days numbered, injuries had dogged his short career.
Murdoch Hospital veterinarians advised his racing days were over, the seven-year-old would never be seen at the race track again.
Payne is thankful Pinsson got another chance.
“He is a horse who had historically been sore,” Payne said.
“They could never get it right with him.
“Three vets said he was a cripple.
“They said to forget ever racing him again.
“I’m not sure what the turnaround has been.
“I’ve done nothing really, but he is thriving.
“I have just taken my time with him.”
Payne can’t hide her admiration for Pinsson who has earned a cheque in every start since joining her team, posting two wins and two runner-up placings in four starts this preparation.
After a luckless second two starts back, Pinsson bounced back to post his best victory last Saturday, getting up in a thriller with a head separating the first four runners across the line.
“He is just a bulldog who tries his heart out,” Payne said.
“You would like all your horses to be as honest as he is.
“He is just a lovely horse who is giving us a lot of enjoyment.”
That enjoyment also extends to a group of Pinsson’s owners, relishing a memorable ride in their first taste of racing.
“They are owners who had never been to races before until getting involved with Pinsson,” Payne said.
“Their first experience was when he ran second at Belmont in June and they were all ecstatic over that.
“They all had a five dollar each way bet at first, but that’s been boosted to $50 since he started winning.
“They are getting right into it and have even opened up their own TAB accounts.
“I told them to enjoy the ride because racing isn’t always like this.
“I think they are getting a little spoilt.”
Julio Santarelli