History Repeats Itself For Freyer At Flemington

Friday, 11 June 2010 01:45

Saturday’s win with Leica Larrikin in the Provincial Plate, was like a trip down memory lane for trainer Richard Freyer.

He recalls the day, 52 years ago when still a schoolboy, standing proudly in the mounting yard at Flemington while his dad Jack received the trophy after the win of Tauri.

There was a lot of significance associated with that win, as it was the first city winner for Roy Higgins, the boy wonder  from the Riverina township of Deniliquin.

Racing has changed a lot since then and so has the conditions of the Provincial Plate, once known as the country people’s day out at Flemington.

Formerly the race was run in divisions. On one occasion it was divided into three heats with Bob Smerdon, from Ballarat, winning the three with Warm Feeling, Harpoon and Sendok.

Visiting horses coming to the city to race were usually stabled at the sales complex in Epsom Road opposite the member’s drive.

When Jack and Richard arrived they were asked, who was riding Tauri? “R Higgins” said Jack.

Those nearby thought he had taken leave of his  senses putting up a claiming apprentice in a non claiming race,  one who had never ridden a city winner.

Jack had great faith in the ability of Higgins and let it be known when the time came to respond after receiving the trophy.

He paid Higgins the ultimate compliment when he said, “mark my words this boy will be the successor to Scobie Breasley, Jack Purtell and Bill Williamson”

No truer words were ever spoken. Up until he died, Jack always declared that Higgins was the best jockey he had ever seen.

They established a formidable combination throughout the Riverina until Higgins left to ride full time in the city.

Pictures: Fiona Tomlin & Jack Strying