George Simon: Arise Joshua Brown, you've cracked the code
George Simon • July 21st, 2025 3:29 PM
I've always enjoyed watching early morning trackwork.
Not in the middle of winter on those cold wet miserable days mind you.
But when the weather plays ball, you just can't beat it.
There's something special about being in the midst of the hurly burly of it all.
From the banter of the trackwork riders, to the trainers overseeing the preparations of their horses, to the track staff ensuring everything is running smoothly throughout the morning.
To an outsider looking in, it can be a bit daunting.
You're forever trying to make sure you don't get in the way or otherwise risk incurring the wrath of the inhabitants of this early rising community.
You'll soon know if you have transgressed in any way.
In the process you'll probably pick up a few new words to add to your vocabulary as well.
Over many years of attending track work at Cambridge I've come to appreciate how these hard-working people go over and beyond to ensure their charges get the best possible opportunity to deliver on race day.
I'm fascinated by the measures trainers go to facilitate this.
One of my earliest recollections of exactly this, involved a very good galloper called Sir James.
He won 18 races from 91 starts, particularly over the winter months, for his trainer Martin Cleland.
He became a crowd favourite throughout his career not only because of his genuine talent but also because he was one of those striking grey horses.
Only thing was, Sir James was a very grumpy racehorse.
Of course, when first time visitors to morning trackwork found out it was Sir James in the tie up stall, all they wanted to do was pat him.
This often didn't end well.
So much so, that Cleland would put a plastic bucket with holes in the bottom over Sir James' nose.
More to save his admiring fans than the horse.
It still remains embedded in my memory some 30 years later.
Sir James with his bucket standing in his tie up stall.
Those memories were rekindled last Saturday when I watched Joshua Brown win the Ōpunake Cup for trainer Lance Gussey.
Ridden by Lynsey Satherley, Joshua Brown cemented his claim to being one of the most improved gallopers in commission with a brave effort in downing a strong field in the Listed $120,000 feature.
Joshua Brown, unlike Sir James, doesn't mind his growing legion of adoring fans, patting him.
His quirky personality comes through when it's time to do his trackwork.
Some mornings he's good as gold.
He goes out onto the track without a care in the world and does what Gussey and Satherley deem necessary.
On other occasions, not so much.
I've seen where the horse has point blank refused to participate in his gallops, despite the urgings of his trainer and rider.
However, when it comes to race day "Joshua" knows where he's at.
Unlike some early mornings at trackwork.
