SUBZERO’S MATE IN LINE FOR TRIBUTE
GRAHAM Salisbury’s death on Saturday has unified racing in a push to permanently honour a man whose life exemplified the sport’s finest aspects.
Salisbury died of cancer, aged 76. His death triggered an avalanche of tributes.
Best known as 1992 Melbourne Cup winner Subzero’s inseparable companion, he was revered inside and outside racing — where his regular visits to hospices with Subzero impacted countless lives.
His contributions, both on the track where he and “Subbie” combined in an illustrious clerk of the course career and off it, will almost certainly prompt the three metropolitan clubs to honour him.
Several trainers yesterday suggested naming a race in honour of Salisbury. Others called for a statue.
Richard Freedman described Subzero as “the world’s greatest living thoroughbred.”
“He has lost his soulmate, Graham Salisbury. Subbie will grieve in his own dignified way,” Freedman said.
“Two champions — one now in champions’ heaven.”
Racing Victoria is likely to consider an appropriate tribute once it consults with Salisbury’s family.
Subzero, now 31, will continue to be cared for by Salisbury’s family and friends.
The grey has suffered serious health issues over the past few years, but was nursed back to life by Salisbury, whose greatest fear was outliving his old mate.
On Saturday, he lost his brave battle — but avoided the scenario he dreaded more than losing his own life.