Image courtesy Steve Hart - Pablo’s Pulse parading before the 1987 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick with Jamie De Belin in the saddle.
Ever wondered what a 500/1 winner looks like?
Steve Hart plucked this one from his archives and was kind enough to send it to me for Friday Flashback. It’s a gelding called Pablo’s Pulse parading before the 1987 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick with Jamie De Belin in the saddle. He started at $21.00 and finished second to Campaign King, beaten two lengths.
Just two weeks before he caused one of Australian racing’s biggest ever boilovers when he led most of the way to win the time honoured Warwick Stakes at the gigantic odds of $501. Ron dufficy was to have ridden him but was indisposed and lightweight Jamie De Belin was substituted.
In winning the Warwick Stakes Pablo’s Pulse became the equal record long priced winner in Australian racing history. Five years earlier, a two year old filly called Anntelle established the record at Canterbury. She was trained by T.J.Smith and by an astonishing quirk of fate was also ridden by Jamie De Belin.
Anntelle confirmed the form later by winning another seven races, all on city tracks.
Poor old Pablo on the other hand never won another race. Following his second to Campaign King, the downward spiral began. He had another 36 starts for 5 placings, all on provincial and country tracks. His last run was at Taree on 29/10/1994. He finished last beaten 25 lengths.
Take another look at Steve Hart’s picture. Pablo’s Pulse was as plain as day and certainly not a robust type. He was by the successful stallion Steel Pulse from a mare by George Spelvin. He was trained at Newcastle by G.C.Oldfield, a trainer I never got to meet. You’ll notice a handful of punters looking hard at the horse as he prepares to go onto the track. It’s not often you get to see a 500/1 winner in the flesh.
And where is Jamie De Belin? He drifted out of the game and hasn’t been sighted. He holds a priceless piece of racing history in the palm of his hand. Two 500/1 winners in Australian racing history and he rode them both.