It’s fitting on the day Errol French is laid to rest in his hometown of Tamworth one of his most loved horses will be in action on the track.
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French, one of country NSW's most prolific owners, passed away last week following a long battle with illness.
One of the many to work closely with French over the years is Clint Lundholm and the Dubbo trainer said his “good old mate” would have wanted him at the track on Thursday.
Lundholm has five chances in at Narromine Jockey Club on Thursday with one of those being Any Blinkin’ Day.
Any Blinkin’ Day was purchased by French for Lundholm and the pair spoke for the last time last week following the tough gelding’s win at Dubbo Turf Club.
“I’ll go to the races because I think he (French) would have wanted me chasing that old boy (Any Blinkin’ Day) home again,” Lundholm said.
“The last conversation I actually had with him was when Any Blinkin’ Day won last week and you could just tell how happy he was to be back in the winners’ circle. He was so excited and that was the last I spoke to him.”
Much of the success Lundholm has had as a trainer can be traced back to French and his support.
When Lundholm was just starting out after size and weight issues ended his career as a jockey, it was French who gave him a number of horses.
“He (French) had a few with (Tamworth trainer) Leon Davies at the time and I was good mates with Leon,” Lundholm said.
“Leon told him about me and he sent me three horses straight away to kick me off and I can’t remember ever not having a horse for Errol.”
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Any Blinkin’ Day is a particularly special one. One of the first horses Lundholm spotted at the Dubbo sales, the trainer called French to tell him of his interest. While he hadn’t seen the horse, French made the call and had the truck leaving town to turn around as he had bought the yearling on the spot.
“That’s how good a bloke he was. He would back you and give plenty of support,” Lundholm said.
French had been racing horses for more than 30 years and the bulk of them were easily recognised by racegoers as they included the word 'Blinkin' in their name.
French also had Blinkin Elle, Blinkin Special, Blinkin Rockin, and more with Lundholm.
Any Blinkin’ Day was one who has his issues, mainly because of injury, but he remains one of Lundholm’s standout horses.
He is a Silver Goblet and Gold Cup winner at Dubbo Turf Club while his record now as a seven-year-old stands at seven wins and eights placings from 39 career starts.
His return to form last week was a welcome sight for trainer and owner and Lundholm heads into the Agnvet Services Open Handicap (1300m) in a positive mood.
“He’s back in open company but he’s proved before he’s definitely an open handicap horse,” Lundholm said.
“He’s down in the weights, has got Greg Ryan (as jockey), and a good draw so I can’t fault him. He’s going really well so I think he’s a great chance.
“He lost his way a bit and he was injured and then wasn’t firing when he came back so I tipped him out for a short spell and I thought all the runs he’s had since had merit.
“Greg was really confident last start at Dubbo ans he’s only gone forward since.”
The Dubbo trainer also has impressive last start winners Beechal and Duksy Damsel in at Narromine, as well as Royal Swagger, Sipharderson, and Carinda Road.
Beechal was particularly eye-catching when storming home in a dominant showing at Warren last time out and Lundholm is confident she’ll produce a strong showing when stepping up in the KB Concrete Benchmark 58 Handicap (800m).
Racing starts at 2.15pm at Narromine Jockey Club on Thursday with the open handicap the fourth on the card.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
