Fiery Freddy Rules with Fast Finishing Win

He may be pony-sized and bad tempered to boot, but there was no denying the grit and determination of Freddy Barbarossa at Cluden Park on Saturday.

The Holy Roman Emperor gelding, named after a 12th century ruler, put aside his cantankerous behaviour to claim a popular win in the Hygain 3YO QTIS Mdn Hcp (1000m) with jockey Carl Spry in the saddle.

Freddy’s trainer, Liliana McCormack, a one-time apprentice jockey in Turin in her native Italy, was overjoyed with the tiny gelding’s flying finish.

“He’s a very little horse but he has a lot of heart,” McCormack said.

“One of my owners Peter Gray bought him from Ben Ahrens at Beaudesert and I like the breed so I said I’d give him a go.

“He was already a three-year-old and had had one start when I got him, and very hot tempered. 

“Freddy always puts on a bit of a show and has to go to barriers before everybody else but after that he’s good.

“Today, I think they heard me screaming when he hit the front. It was exciting the way he did it.

“He showed he was doing a bit better at the 1200m but there were no races for him so we just decided to give him a little freshen and go in the 1000m and it was a good choice.

“I’m very happy.”

McCormack moved to Townsville 23 years ago and took up training as a hobby in 2007 under her maiden name Boarin.

She said her love of horses from an early age in Italy drew  her back to the sport.

“I was an apprentice jockey in Italy where I came from and rode a few winners but I wasn’t able to finish my apprenticeship. Horses have always been in my heart and I came here and I thought why not give it a go,” McCormack said.

“It’s just a hobby for me and Mark (husband), my main job is as a hair dresser.

“I have eight in work and I love it. Wins like today are very exciting.”

Pictured: Jockey Carl Spry and trainer Liliana McCormack with Freddy Barbarossa after claiming an exciting win at Cluden on Saturday.

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