Emotions high for Spud
ST KILDA champion Danny Frawley’s memory will be immortalised this week with the racetrack debut of the aptly named Captain Spud.
The first-starter, who Frawley part-owned with wife Anita and close friends – including Melbourne Cup trainer David Hall, of Makybe Diva fame – will make his debut either on Friday at Donald or Saturday at Kilmore.
Captain Spud has an entry at Bendigo on Wednesday, but the Peter Gelagotis-trained gelding needs multiple runners to be scratched to make the final field.
Co-trainer Manny Gelagotis said the debut would be emotional for all involved.
“I just hope he has got a bloody heart as big as Danny’s,” Gelagotis said. “If he does, then he’ll be a good horse.”
Frawley’s death 12 months ago next Wednesday, after the former Saint-turned-media star’s car struck a tree near Ballarat, rocked the football world.
“Tragic circumstances, what occurred, and we live through the horse,” Gelagotis said.
“Most definitely (emotional), it’s in the back of your mind. Danny was a strong racing enthusiast and had a passion for his mates and his horses.”
Gelagotis is rapt for the long-time owners and friends, who had to be patient for Captain Spud to grow into an “imposing” racehorse. But early indications suggest the gelding has a bright future.
Captain Spud was an $80,000 purchase from the 2019 Melbourne Premier Yearling sales. The late-bloomer was educated and pre-trained at Sylvan Lodge, an equine centre in Ballarat owned and operated by Anita Frawley, before going to Gelagotis.
Captain Spud is likely to only have one or two starts this time in, with Gelagotis keen to aim for longer distances in the autumn.
“I feel like he’s going to be a horse that can get to a decent level,” Gelagotis said.
“He’s a green horse and does a bit wrong, but his trials have been OK and we’re really happy with him. He’s a lovely imposing horse by a very good sire … he’s going to make it, just a matter of when.”