Most 11-year-old pacers are long since enjoying retirement – but not Bulletproof Boy, who is preparing for another crack at some of Australasian harness racing’s biggest races.
And if anyone is enjoying the ride, it’s popular Cranbourne trainer Scott Ewen.
The ever-optimistic horseman is counting down to the return of his beloved veteran pacer Bulletproof Boy – a “People’s Horse” whose courage, longevity and never-say-die performances have earned him a cult following across Australian harness racing.
The son of Art Official is being prepared for another assault on some of Australia’s biggest sprint races, with the Len Smith Mile at Menangle, the Smoken Up Sprint at Melton and another crack at the Miracle Mile firmly in Ewen’s sights.
Few expected the veteran of 53 wins and 54 placings, and with $1M in stakes to his name, would still be mixing it with the nation’s elite. But Ewen believes the fan favourite remains as competitive as ever.
“He’s been back in work for six or seven weeks and I’ve given him a few strong gallops as well as a hopple-up,” Ewen said.
“The pleasing thing is that he’s holding his weight, which he never used to do. I couldn’t be happier with his trackwork. He’s back to where he left off, that’s for sure.
“If everything keeps going to plan, we’ll have a few lead-up runs before the Len Smith Mile, then the Smoken Up Sprint and hopefully another Miracle Mile.”
Affectionately known as “The Bullet” – and by some simply as “The Freak” – Bulletproof Boy produced another remarkable campaign before heading for a well-earned spell earlier this year.
He captured the Bendigo Cup before finishing fifth in the Ballarat Cup and third in the Cranbourne Cup – behind megastar Leap to Fame on both occasions.
Four weeks later he produced one of the performances of his career to win the $100,000 Newcastle Mile.
“His sectionals (26.9, 28.8, 26.9 and 27.9) in Newcastle were unbelievable,” Ewen said.
“James (Herbertson) had to drag back to last after getting caught wide early and he still won in 1:50.5. It was an incredible run.”
Bulletproof Boy then had little luck in the Miracle Mile.
“He drew the outside gate and got knocked over, but even though he finished seventh, his run was enormous. Leap To Fame went 1:49 and we were only beaten 11.8 metres,” Ewen said.
“The year before he drew the pole, but we were second emergency and never got a start.”
The campaign continued in Western Australia, where wide and back-row draws made life difficult in both the $1.2 million Nullarbor and the Fremantle Cup.
“His runs were okay considering he drew wide and then off the back row,” Ewen said.
“They were both over longer distances and he’s just an absolute freak over a mile, but I thought he’d earned a break. We decided to give him a spell and he’s absolutely thrived,” he said.
“I’ll probably give him another three weeks and then he should be spot on to go back to the races.”
While Bulletproof Boy was enjoying his holiday, his devoted ownership group was left wondering what to do with themselves.
“It was a bit funny telling all the owners – they absolutely love the old boy and we’re always in touch. They didn’t quite know what to do with themselves when he was out in the paddock instead of racing.”
Newcastle-based owner Murray Clayton has embraced the ride with Bulletproof Boy.
“Murray’s got a Bulletproof Boy barbecue, a Bulletproof Boy verandah and now he’s even got a Bulletproof Boy front door,” Ewen said with a laugh.
“That’s what it’s all about. Hopefully Murray can add a few more Bulletproof Boy memories over the next few months.”
Despite training at the Cranbourne Harness Training Centre, complete with a swimming pool and treadmill, Bulletproof Boy has never taken to the modern recovery methods.
“I just can’t use those facilities with him. I’ve tried both, but they’re not for him. He just loves doing plenty of canter work,” Ewen said.
“He’s always had terrible feet because he doesn’t grow any heel. My farrier Tony Jamieson has been fantastic. Bullet gets down on his back bumpers, so Tony suggested fitting flip-flops about three years ago and they’ve been an absolute winner.
“And ‘Herbie’ (James Herbertson) has been such a big part of this horse going to that next level. They really clicked. He gets the best out of the horse and that gives us all a lot of confidence.”
