In its precarious pursuit for relevance, racing – particularly southern hemisphere racing – has had to make myriad, often quite undignified concessions. 

One glaring example of these compromises has come via various marketing manifestos aimed at encouraging equine ownership. 

There was a time, in the not-too-distant past, where wading into such fundamentally speculative waters was done with courage, faith and honour. 

Back then, pragmatism wasn’t part of the equation; all that mattered was the chance of glory. 

Sadly, that has changed. 

These days, governing bodies – by necessity more than design - increasingly merchandise the myth of early return on investment via giant juvenile stakemoney right across the board. 

Fortunately, however, many racing zealots resist these temptations; and on Saturday night at Tabcorp Park, two such ownership groups gleefully inherited the Earth. 

Let’s start with the infectiously effervescent crew that races Mister Hunter. 

In one respect, there’s something paradoxical about this narrative, given the pacer we’re discussing claimed Group 1 glory at juvenile level in the APG Vic Gold Bullion decider at Tabcorp Park. 

But wait, there’ more to this story than originally meets the eye. 

Mister Hunter is owned by a massive group of harness maniacs, many of whom share the Del-Re name. 

For most, that moniker will be best remembered via the deeds of former Footscray footballer, Danny Del-Re, but this family’s contribution and sponsorship of standardbred racing spreads far wider than that. 

All their lives, the Del-Re family – inspired by serious superfan Mark - have dreamed of owning a very good horse. 

They now have one; but here’s the kicker. 

Rather than follow the cowardly, capitalistic path of sending this ‘good horse’ to one of Victoria’s leading trainers once they recognised his talent, they trusted with their man Vince Dicocco without fear or favour. 

And in doing so, they ensured their juvenile star’s first Group 1 success was truly something special. 

In their own way, leviathan long-term harness mega-fans Richard and Pauline Matthews are also embodying the true spirit of ownership. 

Without question, their Saturday night Group 1 winner, Catch A Wave, is the hottest commodity in Australasian pacing. 

If money were Richard and Pauline’s pinnacle priority, they wouldn’t have skipped last season’s Vicbred Super Series following his breathtaking Breeders Crown triumph. 

If returns were all that mattered, they’d clearly target Queensland and the fast-approaching winter carnival riches. 

Instead, team Matthews are doing what’s right for their brilliant, burgeoning hero. 

They know, having been in this often-merciless game for many, many years, that foregoing today in the dream of tomorrow is both dangerous and perhaps even daft. 

They couldn’t care a hoot. 

This is the horse they’ve dreamed of, and this is the ride they’ve patiently waited to relish. 

That level of romantic folly is what equine ownership was once all about; and absolutely should be again.

The opinions expressed in The Forum are those of the author and may not be attributed to or represent policies of Harness Racing Victoria, which is the state authority and owner of thetrots.com.au.