Don’t Blush Baby in the pink after greys win
A HORSE named after Chris Gayle’s infamous quip has taken out the annual Oaks Day greys race.
The West Indian star batsman was banished from the Big Bash after an awkward interview with reporter Mel McLaughlin where he asked her out for a drink and then added: “Don’t blush, baby”.
While that might not have gone according to plan, the horse of the same name gave nothing else a chance in the Off The Track Subzero Handicap (1400m), leading all the way down the Flemington straight. The Henry Dwyer-trained fiveyear-old brought up its third win from 10 starts after being well backed late into $7.
Don’t Blush Baby was previously prepared by disgraced trainer Robert Smerdon but was transferred to fellow Caulfield trainer Dwyer although it has spent most of its time down at his new St Leonard’s property near Geelong.
While the horse raced in Western Bulldogs colours there was a North Melbourne element with midfielder Shaun Higgins in the ownership.
The win was a relief for jockey James McDonald who’d run second, third and fourth in the 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.”
The heavily backed favourite Andaz grabbed third with Our Girl Silke second.