Racing Stories from Riverslea Farm

The Joys of Racehorse Ownership - Anthony Hall's story

Having been involved in racehorse ownership since 1979, I decided to get advice in 1991 and buy a better bred horse at the Inglis sales.

Kevin Burns was selected as the man for the job. A big strong, tough as nails colt caught our eye. We obtained the son of Rory's Jester for $35,000. I went down to the track to see how he was progressing and Kevin pulled me aside to say "the horse flies, he goes like a rocket".

Moss Rocket was his name. After winning two Group 3 two year old races he was ready for "The Slipper".

The excitment and anticipation to the leadup of The Slipper, was one of the best weeks of my life.  People would pull me up in the street, just to wish me luck.

At the race with 200m to go, he was still two in front, and f inished 5th.  He went onto win 8 races and $800,000. Winning the Moir Stakes on Cox Plate day was just mind blowing.

I have continued racehorse ownership, always having something in training.  A fantastic hobby.

I always wanted a stayer.  I asked Stephen Irwin to buy me one if he liked anything on one of his trips to the Karaka weanling sale.  We both liked an Istadaad colt and paid $14,000.  Now named Twin Wing it was the winner of the AJC Lord Mayors Cup and $240,000. 

The highs of ownership when your horse wins are indescribable, (and the lows can be terrible too). 

Regards

Anthony Hall

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