When owner Nick Williams was told he had to change the name of his horse King Of The Castle, there was only one option: I’m A Dirty Rascal.
And in a remarkable twist, the Irish stayer will meet the horse that forced the switch at Newcastle on Saturday in the Alf Kneebone Trans-Tasman Trophy.
I’m A Dirty Rascal came to Australia after running fourth in the Irish St Leger in 2021 and had four Australian runs last year as King Of The Castle.
But when he changed stables into the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, Racing Australia asked for the name to be changed because of the King Of The Castle in the Joe Pride stable.
Pride’s King Of The Castle is coming off a Big Dance preparation in which he won the Wildcard before running fourth in the $3 million race on Melbourne Cup day.
“We could race for the name, but our bloke would probably need another lap because he is a stayer. It’s a starting point for him,” Williams suggested. “It is ridiculous, but if we can’t be the King Of The Castle, we are obviously the dirty rascal.”
Pride also saw the funny side of the clash.
King Of The Castle wins the Big Dance Wild Card at Randwick last month.Credit: Getty
“You wouldn’t think it would happen,” he said. “I would have suggested that in the circumstances it is the ideal name for the other horse.
“Our King is racing in great form, and the steps up to 1850m will really suit him because he is looking for further now.”
Fittingly, King Of The Castle is a $4.60 chance as opposed to I’m A Dirty Rascal, which is a $26 outsider.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
