Racing silks at the ready, there’s far more to the races than bouncy hats and fresh pressed suits. We sit down with Champion Jockey Nash Rawiller and Elite Trainer Joe Pride.
Nash Rawiller
What’s your biggest prize win as a rider?
Caulfield Cup on Elvstroem.
What’s your favourite race?
The Everest.
What do you love about The Everest?
Already a great race and will develop into Australia’s greatest race.
Have you ridden Eduardo before?
Yes – 8 times for 6 wins.
Describe Eduardo’s dream run in The Everest.
On pace he is extremely quick and makes his own luck.
Do you have any race day superstitions?
No. I always make my own luck.
Whose skills have been more useful in your career – your dad’s (who’s a jockey) or your
Mum’s (who’s a nurse)?
Both have had a great influence in my life but in this instance, I would have to say my father
as he has taught me a lot regarding my riding career.
Joe Pride
Tell us about Eduardo’s bloodline.
Eduardo is by a stallion called Host, who is a moderately successful stallion, but he was by a
stallion called Hussonet who produced 30 Group 1 winners. Hussonet was a very successful
sire in both South America and here in Australia. As Eduardo’s breeding would indicate, he
wouldn’t be considered a blue blood but more of a genetic freak which we occasionally see
in the top-class horses.
What are Eduardo’s strengths?
His speed and his never say die attitude. It’s not very often that they are combined but
most often horses have got one or the other, Eduardo has the perfect combination of both
attributes. He is also extremely tough and durable which sees him racing at his peak now as
an 8-year-old.
Tell us about your history with Eduardo?
Eduardo has been at my stable for 15 months now. In that time, he has had 10 starts for 6
wins and 2 placings which include two Group 1’s and three Group 2’s. He is seemingly
incapable of running a bad race.
What made you want to add Eduardo to your stable?
He just looked a promising horse that had lost his way and we were incredibly keen to get
him into our system to see what he could do with a change in environment.
What’s your knack for rejuvenating the horses you train?
Our stable is well known for rejuvenating tried horses. It is a training regime that I learned
from John Size who did it very successfully in the time he was here in Sydney. Our
philosophy is to create an environment where the horse will enjoy every aspect of their
training. I swim my horses twice a day and our attention to detail is extremely important.
Once all these small things come together, most horses will perform well and consistently
late into their careers.
What do you love most about The Everest?
It is an exciting new concept, and it is very appropriate here in Australia because we breed
so many speed horses and that is why it is relevant here. The prizemoney is amazing, and it
has an added element of excitement because you have slot holders and horse owners
coming together to team up to win this great race.
Describe Eduardo’s dream run on race day.
On speed, wet or dry track (doesn’t matter) but on speed as he makes his own luck. He is
the kind of horse that has himself up and out of trouble and makes the other do the chasing.
If you were a betting man, what’s your tip for race day?
Eduardo wins, I would not swap him for any other horse. He has got a second to none
chance on Everest day.
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