In the spirit of celebrating our great sport and remembering just what our incredible athletes are capable of on, and off the track, let’s take a look back at the decade that was.
Blake Redden has detailed what he considers to be the 10 best races between 2010 and today.
Stay tuned for the countdown as we deliver one incredible race replay each and every day in the search for the most exciting contest in the last 10 years.
2. 2018 Hunter Cup – Lazarus
I’m happy to accept there may be some recency bias coming in here but I’m going rogue on this one given it’s my list and not a complete guide to the best 10 races of the decade.
With that in mind, Lazarus, who has already been seen on this list behind My Hard Copy in the 2018 Fremantle Cup, deserves his time in the sun.
Similar to the 2018 Inter Dominion, it might be a totally insular description of the events in question but there was something particularly exciting about having Australasia’s best horse in Melbourne.
He had proven the doubters wrong when sitting parked around Gloucester Park to win the Inter Dominion; he was already a two-time New Zealand Cup champion and a Victoria Cup hero.
It felt as if the town was abuzz after his defeat in the Fremantle Cup and subsequent injury scare.
Champion trainer Mark Purdon was not to be doubted, however, and fans turned out in their droves to see the new champion of the sport. Patrons were lining up four and five deep in the stalls to watch Lazarus as he readied for battle.
It was expected to be a fierce battle but somewhat forgone conclusion in most pundits’ eyes; but the script was flipped as they straightened for home.
Lazarus had monstered Tiger Tara but was left a sitting shot for those around him. In true champion fashion, he found that little bit extra to hold on in another display of his patented toughness.
The Best of the ’10s Countdown:
10: Blake’s countdown of the races of the decade begins with the Tiger
9: The ‘Tide turns at no. 9 as Blake’s great race countdown continues
8: Plenty to Love as the great race countdown continues with no. 8
7: The great race countdown rolls on with arguably the greatest horse
6: Tommy gun takes down stars in great race no. 6
5: The greatest loss comes in at No.5 on Blake’s best of
4: When the people’s horse become a living legend
3: Faithful’s need for speed rewarded as Blake’s countdown reaches 3
