On Track - Summer 2019-20

9 The victory was a significant one for 28-year-old Eustace, not only as Loving Gaby became just the second filly in the race’s 52-year history to win the race, but the first of his three Group 1 triumphs he had witnessed live. “I think they were recently described as racing’s odds couple, which is probably about right… what do they say, opposites attract,” laughs Healy. “Dave gets a little nervous and Ciaron might not tell you, but he does, because he goes about checking the horses every two minutes in the week leading up to a big race.” It was also Healy’s third Group 1 win as a strapper for Maher, having led back Srikandi to her Stradbroke and Tatt’s Tiara wins in 2015. “Any Group 1 is special and it’s a real reward for the long hours,” says Healy. “We all got pretty excited and celebrated pretty hard with all the staff Saturday night.” Healy is also the strapper of Humidor and described the win as a good ‘pick-me up’ after failing to gain a start in the 2019 Ladbrokes Cox Plate field. The 24-year-old, who previously worked for trainer Rob Heathcote, hails from a Brisbane racing family, with his grandfather a trainer, uncle a jockey and father an avid racing follower. A move to Victoria was all in earnest of pursuing his own training career, but first a big Autumn preparation is in store for Loving Gaby. “The scary part is her head hasn’t caught up to her body,” suggests Healy. “The best might still be to come, she’s a pretty special horse to have a heavy two-year-old season and come out the other side better.” Potential Autumn options include the T.J. Smith or the possibility of a trip to Dubai, which is yet to be agreed upon by connections. In the interim, we’ll know where to find Healy. “I love The Valley, it’s the best racetrack in the world,” Healy says. “Nothing beats a Friday night under lights.” That we can agree on. Loving Gaby becomes the second filly to win the Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes in 51 years. David Eustace celebrates his first Group 1 victory trackside.