Don't Blush Baby’s red-letter day
A HORSE referencing an infamous Chris Gayle quip has taken out the annual Oaks Day greys race.
The West Indian cricket star was banished from the Big Bash in 2016 after an awkward interview with reporter Mel McLaughlin where he asked her out for a drink and then added: “Don’t blush, baby.”
While Gayle crashed and burned, Don’t Blush Baby streeted the field in yesterday’s 1400m handicap, leading all the way down the Flemington straight.
The Henry Dwyer-trained five-year-old brought up its third win from 10 starts after being backed into $7.
Formerly prepared by disgraced trainer Robert Smerdon, Don’t Blush Baby’s win was a relief for jockey James McDonald, who’d run second, third and fourth in the day’s first three races.
“It’s funny how it turns. I actually thought I won the first (race),” McDonald said.
“This horse (Don’t Blush Baby) had to lead and took the bull by the horns and ran really well.
“He was well primed for today and credit to the Henry Dwyer stable, they did a marvellous job.”