After delivering six wins for late Echuca trainer Daryl Archard, it was a touching first for son Rhys as Barmah Al strode past the post in race six at Bendigo last Thursday.
Jockey Jarrod Fry guided Barmah Al to a convincing win in the Donna Philpot Memorial BM64 Handicap over 2400m, his first since August last year.
The seven-year-old went to Rhys following Daryl’s passing in June, and it was an emotional Archard who was thrilled to see the beloved stayer come away with the win.
“(Dad) loved this horse,” Archard said post-race.
“I did tear up a bit, but it was lovely.
“There are a few stories behind this horse. He’s got a lot of cheek, he’s been a handful to deal with at times, but he tries his guts out and we love him.
“I know he’s a horse that needs room and needs to build, but he got to the top of the straight and took him a furlong to get into gear.
“Once he did it, he put the race to bed.”
Barmah Al now has $179,115 in prize money from seven wins and nine placings from his 51 starts, and Archard thanked the owners post-race for keeping the faith.
“It’s been amazing,” he said.
“A special thanks to Al Rodda who owns the horse. He kept him with me when Dad passed.
“Al had a crook back and couldn’t make it, but I said hopefully you’re jumping at the 200 and it fixes it for you.”