When it comes to racing duos in Benalla, it doesn’t get much better than trainer Peter Burgun and jockey Shirley Hunter.
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A duo on the racetrack for decades and a couple off it since 2008, they have experienced a prosperous relationship.
The biggest day on the calendar for the two is the Benalla Gold Cup meeting, and they are hoping it is one of their most memorable, with four horses nominated.
“We’ve got Lord Domino (nominated) in the $100,000 benchmark 70 country series,” Burgun said.
“His form has been really good. He ran second at Moonee Valley, and before that, he ran third (on the same course).
“We’ve also got two (nominated) in the 1200m maidens, and another horse, called I Am Geronimo, (nominated) in the BM64 1100m.
“We’re pretty happy with them (the horses and their preparation for cup day), and down at the racecourse, they’re doing a super job with track management.”
Hunter will ride three of Burgun’s horses on Friday, with Hannah Le Blanc riding one in a maiden.
Burgun and Hunter have had a successful relationship on the track.
During one stretch in 2021, the pair won 30 per cent of the 20 races they entered.
The duo each had an idea of why they had enjoyed success.
“Hard work,” Burgun said.
“A good relationship,” Hunter said.
They attend races across the state and enjoy rubbing shoulders with various jockeys and trainers.
“We spread our wings a fair bit, don’t we, Shirl,” Burgun said.
“We sort of go everywhere, and I think we go anywhere where we think we can win a race.
“All the people in racing are all pretty good, and if you get stuck in a hard place, everyone jumps in and wants to help out.”
A vast amount of work goes on behind the scenes for trainers and jockeys, but a challenge Burgun and Hunter face is one many people struggle with.
“Getting out of bed in the wintertime, it’s damn hard,” Burgun said.
“I suppose the challenge is training horses spot on for race day,” Hunter said.
“You have ups and downs at times. Things can go wrong. It’s just about keeping everything on track.”
“We have a lot of owners,” Burgun said.
“We’ve probably got 80 to 100 owners on the books, and if a horse goes wrong, well, you’ve got to go round and explain why it happened and all that sort of stuff.
“It’s not just get out of bed, start breeding, put your leg over and ride them. There’s a lot that goes on in between.”
What makes all their effort worthwhile is crossing the line first on race day.
“All the hard work you do, having it spot on for the day, it’s a relief when you get a winner,” Hunter said.
“(It’s also rewarding to see) the owners who have been loyal to us and stuck by us for quite a few years.”
“I’ve got owners here (that) I’ve had for 35 to 40 years,” Burgun said.
“They’ve stuck with us through thick and thin.
“It’s a tough game, but it’s rewarding when you can get the points on the board, so to speak.”
And now the Gold Cup is just days away.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Burgun said.
“It’s good there is no rain coming because normally it pours down before the cup,” Hunter said.
“(Chief executive) Cameron Symes is doing a great job at the club. It’s going forward all the time now, which has been fantastic.
“A few years ago, it was a little bit dormant, but Cameron has worked hard to improve a lot of things at the club.”