Punt Drunk: Footy legends steal the show at Bendigo
On the eve of another Group 1 weekend of racing, the team at Punt Drunk have taken a look at some of the more quirky stories in the racing industry.
Before we get to the Doomben Cup and The Goodwood at Morphettville, let’s dip in to the week that was!
Capper steals the show….again
Not for the first time in his life, Warwick Capper was front and centre.
However, it is almost certainly the first time it has come through a horse winning at Bendigo on Wednesday, which is named after him.
Sent around as an $8.50 chance in the opener at Bendigo during the week, Capper Thirtynine launched like the ‘Whiz’ to nab race favourite Marching in the shadows of the winning post.
"Capper Thirtynine, you beeaauutyyy." 😂 pic.twitter.com/NQKAeb9Wtv
— Racing.com (@Racing) May 17, 2023
Fair play if you could actually understand Capper in his post-race interview on Racing.com.
Couple of subtitles wouldn’t have gone astray for the great man!
Jesaulenko you beauty!
First it was Caaaaappeeer, but stealing the show was Jezoulenko at Bendigo.
The victory gave Collingwood fans horrific flashbacks to the 1970 grand final when Carlton legend Alex Jesaulenko took the mark of the century.
On Wednesday it was the four-legged version of Jezoulenko starring, after causing somewhat of an upset in race six for the Mathew Ellerton barn.
Jezoulenko you BEAUTY 💥@EllertonMathew pic.twitter.com/NiCrV1p4TH
— Racing.com (@Racing) May 17, 2023
Unfortunately for Jezza, he is not in the ownership group, but his name certainly gave footy enthusiasts who love a punt a well-priced winner.
Mitch Beer Group 1 Winning Trainer?
If you love racing, Mitch Beer is right up there as one of the blokes you want to sink a couple of tins with.
The popular trainer is set to line up stable star Mnementh in The Goodwood at Morphettville with Jordan Mallyon booked to ride.
If you follow Beer on Twitter, you know he and the Mallyons are as close as ever, so we quite enjoyed the sly dig at Jordan ahead of his Group 1 assignment.
“i’m not a Group 1 trainer, so I thought I’d get a jockey who isn’t a Group 1 jockey to ride a horse who isn’t a Group 1 horse in a Group 1 race,” Beer wrote.
Now for a man who is known for loving Pepsi Max and KFC like no other, we can only imagine the celebrations on track and back in Albury if things go unexpectedly and Mnementh can salute on Saturday.
Although, his staff may have mixed emotions judging by this screenshot…
They must understand the risk/reward of racing horses. pic.twitter.com/QZ5hnm9OnG
— mitchellbeer (@beermitchell) May 16, 2023
The racing world is cheering you home Mitch!
About Punt Drunk
Welcome to Punt Drunk – our daily column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump…
