Maybe James Cummings isn’t in the Big One on Tuesday but I dip my lid to him over In Secret in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, a feature of Victoria Derby day, at Flemington.
Again Cummings showed the master’s touch, epitomised by his grandfather, Bart Cummings, of having a horse
primed for the grand final on Saturday following the Cox Plate triumph with Anamoe.
James Cummings looked the part at Derby Day with his stylish Fedora.Credit:Getty
Dipping my lid, or doffing the hat in appreciation for a feat or action, is more Henry Lawson than Clive James but the general behind Godolphin in Australia, said to be tuned to a computer rather than the instinct that served the family so well, is getting back to the former racecourse fashion.
Giants of Flemington’s Derby Day, Tommy Smith, Geoff Murphy, Col Hayes and George Hanlon were renowned for their hats but unlike the bare-headed Bart Cummings their thatch was sparse.
On Saturday James Cummings produced a fedora, topping the previous Saturday’s modest adornment, that looked better suited to the Bahamas than Melbourne and he is building up a collection to rival that of Gai
Waterhouse who has a special stall for hers.
To some, Flemington on Derby Day is as much about fashion, with top hats and tails, as horses but for the
purists it remains a once-in-the-year occasion. Equine topliners and those that make them abound.
In the saddle James McDonald was supreme with four winners and even excellent in defeat on Sharp’N’Smart, runner-up in the Victoria Derby.
James McDonald rode four winners at Flemington on Saturday, including In Secret (second, from right) in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.Credit:Getty
But James Cummings gave him horsepower with In Secret, who overcame hiccups. Looking at her in the
parade before the Coolmore made me ponder whether I would be better placed in an aged-care facility engrossed in TV show re-runs rather than gambling against her.
Obviously the corresponding Golden Eagle program at Rosehill Gardens took impact away from Flemington. Only two Sydney print media representatives were present.
There was a time when The Sydney Morning Herald had more than two in a visiting group that neared double
figures. Also, the Australian Jockey Club, the Sydney Turf Club and later the Australian Turf Club officials and
directors were very much in evidence in the mounting enclosure.
None was sighted this year at the new-age, post-COVID Flemington, now glowing with a Crown Casino-style
glitz. Alas, the betting ring lacks the former character, with high-rise computer screens, but the urgency to get top odds has long disappeared. Hopefully oncourse bookmakers don’t follow.
As usual Sydney form was prominent, but Melbourne hit a high note in the Golden Eagle with I Wish I Win, trained by Peter Moody, topped by a Stetson. Moody, from Queensland, studied in Sydney before moving south and played rugby league with Kensington United, taking the ball up without headgear.
While Jamie Kah was creating havoc at Rosehill with dual suspensions, the Melbourne reliables, including Damien Oliver and Craig Williams were in fine form on a Flemington surface that raced well considering the recent weather.
Following the Empire Rose success, Williams walked back to the enclosure after dismounting from Icebath, prepared by Brad Widdup. The jockey got a better-than-usual break at the start on Icebath, known for being tardy at the gates. He bowed to the crowd on a number of occasions but should well have been dipping his lid to Widdup for getting the mare to maintain a high level and finally notch a Group One success.
