Having a dream of owning a horse that will one day win a famed South African thoroughbred equestrian racing event, was something the son kept as a surprise.
The Durban July Handicap has been held annually since 1897 in Durban on the first Saturday of July.
Lord Melbourne came from a royal bloodline and was sired by the Duke of Marmalade, and is a beautiful and very regal horse!
His groom is very proud of his charge with its velvety coat!
Arriving at the Vaal Racecourse early in the morning, everything is still quiet.
The racetrack also looks well-groomed and ready for action!
The grooms warming the horses up before the race.
The trainer has many achievements and is a really nice guy who has many stories to tell; he loves his horses, something one can see in his office by the many photographs and also the many trophies.
Lord Melbourne did not win that day, but still ran a place.
Following all the action and excitement, the men were hungry and headed off to the Country Kitchen, Bar & Grill; a family-owned restaurant that serves good comfort food and has quaint decor.
Hubby chose something from the breakfast menu that's available all day, as they'd skipped breakfast that morning in the rush to get to the race in time!
A sad goodbye to Lord Melbourne who won two races in his short career, as he has a problem with his one leg, so had to retire at a young age, and was sold to a showjumper. It was a sad day for the son who only had a small share in the horse.
Thank goodness he was still in good health and not discarded and forgotten as that often happens with many racehorses. This trainer ensures that his charges go to good owners once they're retired.
Actually reminds me of us #silverbloggers; some go on to a different career, others just enjoy their retirement, while sadly many are just dumped somewhere far away from the family and end up living a lonely life.
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