FEATURE
4 AM
The stable stirs before the rest of the world. Stable staff arrive to check each horse’s feed bin – an empty one is a reassuring sign of a healthy appetite, and the trainer is notified if anything is left uneaten. Every horse has its temperature taken to confirm it sits within the healthy range of 37–38 degrees Celsius. Water buckets are cleaned and refilled, breakfast is prepared and served, usually a nourishing mix of oats, chaff, corn and muesli alongside hay, and stalls are freshened up. The morning often begins with the horses heading to the equine swimming pool while their boxes are mucked out and laid with clean bedding. 5 AM Flemington’s eight world-class training tracks span more than 12 kilometres and 10 hectares, maintained around the clock to guarantee perfect conditions underfoot. Each horse begins its morning exercise with a trot and canter on the sand track before moving into a gallop on the Polytrack. Feedback from the regular rider gives the trainer invaluable insight into the horse’s mood, movement and readiness for the day ahead. Trainers often watch from one of the towers, sharing coffee and conversation. 6 AM After exercise comes one of the great simple pleasures: a roll in the sand. The enclosed sand roll area gives horses the chance to stretch, scratch and unwind. It’s followed by a shower and shampoo in the wash bay, then a 20-minute stroll in the horse walker to dry off. Staff grease the hooves to maintain moisture and health, and check carefully for any loose shoes. For horses racing that day, this is also when the on-call farrier may come through to reset or check shoes ahead of the race.
Fancy a Gallop? | 67
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