Better times within reach for Bougoure
DANNY Bougoure is about to join the fleet of trainers at the Eagle Farm infield stables, just as his stable has hit a purple patch of form.
Four of Bougoure’s past seven runners have been winners, including Azzareach, who is second elect behind the hotpot Bleu Zebra in Race 4 at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The 54-year-old is approaching his 30th year in training and after being based in the old Eagle Farm raceday stalls for a number of years, is looking forward to the upcoming change.
“It’s a good positive move for us,” he said. “We have 17 horses in work and another 20 in the paddock.
“I don’t want to get huge but having 18-20 in work all the time would be good.
“We have a lot more inquiries now to train horses and new clients coming to the stable. We have a couple of nice babies coming through, so it’s starting to build now.”
Azzareach will head for a break regardless of how he performs on Saturday, with his trainer hoping he learns to be a better boy next time around.
“He’s a nice horse but he’s a bit of a handful, being a little colt,” he said.
“I feel if I geld him it will take the competitiveness out of him, so I’ve been reluctant to do that.
“He’ a tough little fellow. He will definitely be better next prep, there’s lots of room for improvement.”
Because of his habit of at times being a little unruly, Bougoure wasn’t sure what to expect for the horse’s debut at the Gold Coast on July 4, when he was sent out a $21 chance and won.
“I wasn’t surprised at the Gold Coast. But being a bit of a handful, we thought if he went there and displayed his coltish behaviour he might run last as well,” he said.
“In the email to the owners I said he would either win or run last.
“A few of the owners had something on him so that was good. We took him down on the big float and I stayed with him in the truck. I haven’t done that for a long time.”
Bougoure still readily recalls the halcyon days with his grand sprinter Falvelon, who took him to Melbourne and Hong Kong during a stellar career in the late 1990s and early 200s.
“You never forget them. There’s always the good memories. It’s just a matter of trying to find another one,” he said.