Blake Micallef. Photo by Club Menangle
At age 27, Monteagle based horseman Blake Micallef has developed into one of the Riverina’s most accomplished reinsmen.
Last Saturday, Micallef notched up a noteworthy milestone when he landed his 400th victory in the sulky.
Backed by his parents David and Rachel, who operate the successful breeding and training operation known as Christy Park northwest of Young, Micallef’s latest milestone was provided by recent New Zealand purchase Gem N Em, who was most impressive when leading throughout at Wagga.
Owning the six-year-old himself made the win even more satisfying, given that he purchased her as both a racing and breeding proposition.
The well related daughter of top producing sire Sweet Lou made it two from two in Australia and on Saturday she showed high gate speed to lead and then finished the race off strongly to score by almost 11 metres in a mile rate of 1:53.6.
“She is a very nice mare and hopefully has a bright future,” said Micallef.
“It was pretty cool for me to bring up that milestone with her.
“We have brought a lot of tried horses from New Zealand over the years that have done a super job, but I feel there is something special about this mare.
“Being realistic, she has only won us two lower grade races and from here she will come up against tougher opposition, but she gives me the feeling that she has more to offer.”
The Micallefs are at their home track of Young for what is a rare Friday afternoon race meeting for the Club that David is President of.
Gem N Em will be looking to make it four on the bounce in the first of eight races, and despite having to start from gate nine, is likely to be sent out as a short-priced favourite.
The event over the 2100m is restricted to locally trained horses, conditions that will suit the mare to no end.
Blake has four drives on the program and is confident that Gem N Em can kick the day off well for him.
“She gets into this race well despite drawing off the back line.”
“The conditions of the race, especially over the 2100 metre trip should suit her.”
“I am banking on getting my share of luck in the run and should be thereabouts - all going well.”
