Raffaello A Tonic For Marconi
- Saturday, 22 May 2010 08:15
Veteran trainer Jim Marconi says he owes a lot to his talented galloper Raffaello after the entire brought him out of enforced retirement and won at Caulfield.
Marconi, 77, gave training away two years ago because of a series of health problems but he was back as effervescent as ever when his favourite horse landed the Responsible Gambling Cup (2000m) on Saturday.
"I am training him for my health," Marconi, who also part-owns Raffaello, said.
The five-year-old was Marconi's last city winner at Flemington in September 2008.
While Marconi was ill Raffaello was transferred to Mark Kavanagh who trained him to finish second in the 2009 Easter Cup before Marconi took the horse back this year.
"Getting out bed it gives you a bit of excitement when you have a horse and you start to feel much better," Marconi said.
Marconi has battled prostate and bone cancer as well as having heart surgery but Raffaello has been his best tonic.
"I am feeling so good I am ready for a 50-metre sprint," Marconi said.
He trains Raffaello and one other horse with the help of his son Carlo.
"Carlo does everything and I am just the director," Marconi said.
Marconi has been associated with some great gallopers in the past including Taras Bulba, Cossack Prince and Rancho Ruler.
Pictures: Colin Bull
