Chasingtherainbow gives newly licensed trainer Richard Barrett a winner with his first runner (Picture: Wayne Marks)
South Africa’s newest trainer Robert Barrett scored a winner with his first runner at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Tuesday as the Potala Palace gelding Chasingtherainbow came from second last with a tremendous finish under Richard Fourie to win by an easy 2,50 lengths.
A lifelong dream came true as the 27-year-old Manchester-born trainer greeted his winner and an emotional interview followed.
Robert chose Chasingtherainbow for his grandfather Paul at the Sales and had always been with him as he was formerly the assistant trainer for Crawford Racing, firstly with Brett and James and latterly with James.
So that made the win even more special.
It was the sixth career win for the Normandy Stud-bred gelding.
The four-year-old 93-rated horse had a tricky draw of nine in the 1400m B Stakes event.
He hadn’t raced since winning a Middle Stakes event over 1600m at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on February 22 and did not have it easy today as he was on the bottom of his merit rated band.
He hence started at generous odds of 17/2.
Fourie sat on him after he had jumped well and eased him until he was sitting in second last place.
He remained patient in the straight until the 400m mark at which point he switched him out.
The bay immediately started building and was clearly stretching out like a winner, while the others had begun to paddle.
He swept to the front at the 100m mark and went on to win easily.
Paul Barrett spoke of his pride in his grandson, but not before mentioning how he had been in the depths the previous week after losing a close friend and was now suddenly in the opposite state of mind.
Listening between the lines of the interview, Robert will be going places as a trainer.
He leaves no stone unturned and has an unusually good memory, a valuable asset for a trainer.
He was spoken highly of by both joint-owner David Curran and by his grandfather.
An elated Paul Barrett leads in Chasingtherainbow while trainer Robert Barrett hangs back in the background (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Robert thanked many for the win, including his own team.
The Philippi trainer had foregone a possible career as a professional golfer to follow his dream and it has been a long journey to reach this point.
Robert said he was just sad “Louis” (Mxothwa) had not been there to share the win as he had always partnered Chasingtherainbow.
Click here to read how Robert Barrett ‘s dream became reality
