FEATURE
post-racing, with his role at Equine Pathways Australia the perfect fit for the rising 11-year-old. Retiring sound after 89 races, of which he won 18, collecting more than $1.7 million in prizemoney, Bell is pleased to see his ‘best mate’ go to a good home. “The beauty of being a horse trainer is there is always next week, but I’m realistic that I’m most likely not going to get something as good as him again,” he said. Julia Battams of Equine Pathways could not be happier with her new recruit. “Edge arrived here in June and is transitioning to his new role really nicely,” she said. With plans for him to compete in the para-equestrian world, he is already showing signs that he will be a great addition. “He has a really good walk, and that is really important. He is just learning how to be mounted by the athlete from the hoist, as he is a bit unsure of that at the moment. It can be daunting for horses, as athletes swing up above them, so they have to learn to wait and be patient.” Jungle Edge’s temperament will serve him well in his new role. “It is important that horses are empathetic, but also sensible. Edge is the most sensible horse I have had. You never have to teach him anything twice and he takes everything in his stride,” said Battams. “I think it is because he is a bit older, so not much seems to bother him.” There may be exciting long-term goals for Jungle Edge, (“The 2024 Paralympics in Versailles wouldn’t be too bad!”), but until then he is happy in his new home, a paddock complete with a dam where he will no doubt indulge his love of swimming in the warmer months. He will also enjoy being back among his racing roots with a visit from the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to Equine Pathways’ Open Day on Saturday 17 July.
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