Sue’s living the dream
Today’s running of the race that stops the nation is a dream come true for Sue Ridgway of Warragul.
Sue and her sister Kate Grossek are part owners of Melbourne Cup hopeful, Warning.
They last savoured the sweet taste of victory when Warning won last year’s AAMI Victoria Derby at Flemington in the first race of the spring carnival.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Warning has drawn well with barrier eight and Sue is quietly confident.
“First I want him to finish the race safely and anything in the first eight would be wonderful,” she said.
“He’s been trained to run this race so who knows?
“Everyone in racing wants to have a horse in the Melbourne Cup so it really is a dream come true.
“When you see the internationals and some others we are just the Aussie battlers.”
Sue is philosophical about her absence from the track (only trainers, jockeys and strappers are allowed to attend).
“It’s hard to believe that in its 160-year history there will be no owners or other public there.”
“But when you think of what has happened this year there have been people that have made bigger sacrifices.
“People have had loved ones die and limited attendances at funerals
“At the end of the day it’s a horse race,” she said.
Warning had a poor performance at the Caulfield Cup last month, but put in a strong finish at the Turnbull Stakes.
“We’ve decided he doesn’t like the Caulfield track, but he does seem at home at Flemington.”
Sue will settle for watching the race on tv and no doubt jockey Luke Currie will feel her urging him on.
“It’s been great that racing has continued through COVID. It’s worked better here than overseas.
“The only thing missing has been the owners and the public. We’ve missed the lead up to this week including the breakfast and barrier drawn and today’s (Monday) parade.
“To have a runner is a dream come true. We are just so lucky to have that.”