For the Hutchings family from Parkes, that dream became a reality through the actions of their 11-year-old running pacer Terryrama (Western terror).
Bought from the Riverina for $800 as a tried and true juvenile who struggled to get it all together, the gelding had more tricks in his bag than a magician.
But thanks to a lot of patience and perseverance, Terryrama has won more than $280,000 in prize money and 17 races out of his 213 races.
More importantly, he gave trainer Malcolm Hutchings his first Group 1 success in 2020 when he competed in the TAB Western Region Final.
At the same track in Bathurst on Wednesday evening, Terryrama is back to achieve something no other horse in the history of the TAB Regional Championships has done by taking his place in his fifth series.
Since winning the 2020 edition, the Terryrama series has been a bit of a mixed bag.
He captured the consolation in 2023 and then rebounded to make the 2024 finals, finishing third in both the regional and state finals.
For Hutchings, it would simply be a thrill if his pacer manages to put his best foot forward in this qualifying round, despite not having high expectations, just hopeful that he can make another final.
“He’s been a great old horse for our family, and we just hope he comes out and does his best,” Hutchings said.
“When he came to us after my son Mitch bought him, he had plenty of tricks up his sleeve, but we persevered and he turned out fine in the end.
“And the ride he took us all on from that tough start was incredible.”
Champion racer Cam Hart takes the wheel aboard the quirky old stager which will start from barrier three in the first race.
With a limited gate speed, it’s likely that Hart will give Terryrama time to find his feet, and it would be something special if he were able to produce one of those devastating late bursts he’s known for.
The $75,000 final is scheduled for January 30, one of the parts of the Bathurst Club’s Carnival of Cups programme, which will feature the likes of Birds Of Tokyo and You Am I.
Admission to the theme meeting is free. Go to www.carnivalofcups.com.au for more information.
Through Michael Dumesnyfor HRNSW
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