Friend Ponders What Might Have Been

EVERY time Visigoth wins for Grafton-based breeder, owner-trainer Gary Friend he thinks of what might have been.

Visigoth (Cosmic Rumble-Lizzy Tibay) did just that at Albion Park last Thursday night scoring in a 520m 5th Grade in 30.09. He downed Kealoah and Polly's Maid. It was his 20th victory in 65 starts and he has now earned $52,000.

But almost a year ago Visigoth was trialled around Lismore and the boxes did not open until some-time after the lure had passed.

Visigoth smashed into the front of the boxes.

"He had two huge marks down his spine and they were still there six months later," said Gary Friend.

"He has never forgot that incident and it has made him a very poor beginner. He gets down in the boxes all ready to fly out. But he waits for the lids to come up now and then zooms up to the rest of the field. That too causes him problems. He's always right in the middle of the field by the first turn."

But Visigoth has been a wonderful performer for Gary.

"He's been a very unlucky dog despite the 20 wins," he said. "He should have won at his previous start as well."