Owner Delights In Northam Cup Triumph
29 October, 2018
Owners
As a horse owner you aim high, but are just as content to revel in any win, regardless of place, time or race.
From the pinnacle of a Group 1 feature in the city to a maiden in the provincial and country circuits, you take any victory that comes your way.
But for part-owner Coleen Peterson, yesterday’s Northam Cup triumph with Pushin’ Shapes held a dash more celebratory significance.
With a family steeped in Northam racing tradition, Peterson was able to realise a cherished ambition and win her home-town country cup.
“My husband and I live in Perth now but our family is from Northam,” Peterson told TABradio.
“I have been with Dan and Ben (Pearce) for the last three years and I always said if we have a horse could we try for the Northam Cup.
“My dad was on the committee many years ago and I have been going to the Northam Cup since I was about 18 I think.
“I always said: ‘gee, wouldn’t it be a dream to win the Northam Cup’ and yesterday (Sunday) I was just in shock.
“I thought in the last one hundred they were going to come over the top of him (Pushin’ Shapes).
“I was just in shock at the end and just the roar of the crowd, it was just such a buzz and a big thrill.”
Peterson said Pushin’ Shapes victory reinforced the Northam Cup’s prominence in the local community and its rich tradition in WA racing history.
“The Northam Cup always brings back fond memories,” Peterson said.
“In earlier years we would take the day off from work and the town would virtually close.
“We would all be there and no one would be able to fit into the local hotel.
“We would all be battling to get back to work the next day and that’s what it was all about.”
Pushin’ Shapes has surged into Ascot carnival calculations after breaking the track record to win the Northam Cup by a clear 1 ¼ length margin.
It was the Viscount gelding’s third big race success after he took out the Coolgardie Cup (1760m) in September and last year’s Narrogin Cup (1900m).
Peterson said the Pearce brothers were full of admiration for Pushin’ Shapes.
“They are in awe in what he is doing at the moment,” Peterson said.
“They are now able to prepare him for races without any hiccups.
“He has always had the ability, but had the feet issues.
“He runs in bar shoes all the time, but it doesn’t worry him.
“I think he enjoys racing on the pace as well.
“Maybe he is just maturing as a six-year-old.”
Pushin’ Shapes has now won seven races and been placed 12 times from 41 starts for stake earnings and Westspeed bonuses just passing half a million dollars.
Julio Santarelli.