2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival Magazine

FEATURE

SHOEING THE STARS

It’s one of racing’s most physical, least glamorous jobs – and John Bunting wouldn’t trade it for anything. Thirty years into his career, the farrier behind Gold Trip and Winx talks tradition, team, and what it takes to keep a champion on its feet.

WORDS CELIA PURDEY

Farrier John Bunting shapes a shoe by hand, a skill 30 years in the making. (Carla Gottgens/Getty Images)

98 | 2026 OFFICIAL SOUVENIR MAGAZINE

Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software