BALRANALD’S favourite racehorse Relied is galloping his last stretch on Saturday, bowing out after a championship career in the region.
Trained by Ron ‘Sprigger’ Flanagan and his wife Lyn, at 12-years-old the bay gelding is one of the oldest horses still racing in the Riverina, and most recently took out a race at Deniliquin two weeks ago.
Joint-owned by the Flanagans and local couple Russell and Bev Bodinnar, Relied is a town icon in Balranald and more than a few locals will be having a flutter on the dependable galloper, who will be ridden to potential success at Saturday’s race meet by one of the Sweeney sisters from Jerilderie.
“He’d be a bit of a chance on the weekend,” Mr Flanagan said.
“The thing about him is he’s very small, he doesn’t look like a race horse but we always say he’s got a big V8 engine in him.”
Following his final run, Relied will be put out to pasture at the Flanagan’s family property where he will live out the rest of his days with his best friend — a billy goat.
“We’ve had a few racehorses but never had one like him,” said Mr Flanagan.
“He’s like a family pet.
“He’s very dear to us — we’re going to keep him and look after him, we owe him that.”
