Malcolm Hutchings with Terryrama
In racing it is every owner’s dream to find that special horse that can win them multiple races and prizemoney to boot.
For the Hutchings family from Parkes, that dream came to fruition through the deeds of their 11-year-old pacer Terryrama.
Purchased from the Riverina for a $800 as a tried juvenile who struggled to put it all together, the gelding had more tricks in his bag than a magician.
But through much patience and perseverance Terryrama has gone on to win more than $280,000 in prizemoney and 17 races from his 213 race starts.
More importantly, he provided trainer Malcolm Hutchings with his first Group 1 success back in 2020 when taking out the TAB Western Region Final.
On the same track at Bathurst on Wednesday night, Terryrama is back to achieve something that no other horse has done in the history of the TAB Regional Championships by taking his place in his fifth series.
Since winning the 2020 edition, the series has provided Terryrama somewhat of a mixed bag.
In 2023 he captured the consolation and then bounced back to make the 2024 final, finishing third in both the Regional and State finals.
For Hutchings it would simply be a thrill if his pacer is able to go out and put his best foot forward in this qualifying heat, despite him having no lofty expectations, just hopeful that he can make another final.
“He has been a wonderful old horse to our family, and we just hope he gets out there and does his best,” said Hutchings.
“When he lobbed at our place after my son Mitch had purchased him, he had plenty of tricks up his sleeve, but we persevered with him and he eventually came good.
“And the ride he has taken us all on from that rocky start has been incredible.”
Champion reinsman Cam Hart will take the drive aboard the quirky old stager who will start from barrier three in race one.
With limited gate speed, it is likely that Hart will give Terryrama time to find his feet, and it would be something special if he were able to produce one of those withering late bursts for which he is known.
The $75,000 Final is scheduled for January 30, one of the features on the Bathurst Club’s Carnival of Cups program where the likes of Birds Of Tokyo and You Am I will perform.
Entry to the feature meeting is free. Head to www.carnivalofcups.com.au for more information.
