It has been a case of third time lucky for remarkable gelding Far Too Easy, who has capped his storied career with a stunning victory in the $2 million The Kosciuszko at Randwick.
Having placed behind Front Page in the country feature for the past two years, Far Too Easy finally got the better of his arch-rival on Saturday, courtesy of a brilliant tactical ride by Craig Williams.
His victory was an emotional one for Murwillumbah trainer David Mccolm, who admitted thoughts of tackling a third Kosciuszko (1200m) was the furthest thing from his thoughts when the horse almost died from acute colitis in April.
“It has been a turbulent year for us and for him to come out and do this, I am so proud of him,” McColm said.
“He’s our mate. He is part of our family.
“My dream has come true and not just for us, but for this horse. He’s been such a special animal to all of us and he deserves his name in the Kosciuszko record books.”
It isn’t the first time Far Too Easy has overcome adversity, surviving being swept away in floodwaters prior to finishing fourth in the 2022 Country Championships then overcoming a skin infection to line up in last year’s Kosciuszko, in which he finished third.
“We’ve been through a lot with this horse. He’s had his ups and downs,” McColm said.
“This year, he got very ill and I never, ever thought we’d be back for another Kosciuszko tilt.
“But he has come through today and he’s done what he does, he tries.”
Connections hatched a plan to put Far Too Easy ($4.80) on the speed, stalking Front Page ($2.60 betting fav) who took up his customary leadership role.
The pair kicked clear at the top of the straight to fight the race out and this time, it was Far Too Easy who came out on top, eventually putting 2-1/4 lengths on Front Page with Tanglewood ($16) doing his best work late, another three-quarters of a length away third.
The Victorian-based Williams made a flying visit to Queensland to partner the six-year-old in a barrier trial earlier this month but played down his role in the Kosciuszko win.
“This is a perfect example of a great horseman with a great horse that he has been able to nurture and develop, and then bring him back from the brink of (nearly) not even having a horse. It’s really quite special,” Williams said.
Jockey James Mcdonald said Front Page tried hard in his attempt at a third consecutive Kosciuszko win.
“He was brave in defeat. He gave his all,” McDonald said.