Greybeard too good for rivals half his age

AS WE get older we like to think we can match it with those half our age, but for some it’s simply not a reality.

Sadly that boundless youthful energy dissolves as ‘father time’ takes grip.

But that wasn’t the case for Clementsorrell at Club Menangle yesterday.

As an 11-year-old ‘greybeard’ Clementsorrell reminded his rivals he’s ‘still young enough to whip some butt’.

In fact, Clementsorrell’s opposition included his David Waite-trained stablemate – five-year-old, King Corey.

“He’s still going strong the old fella,” Waite said. “He keeps working and racing like a young horse…he doesn’t know his age.

“No doubt he feels it in some spots like we all do, but he’s injury-free and loving what he is doing.

“He covered the mile in 1:54.1 yesterday which is his best time…not bad for an old fella which has had 296 starts.”

With Will Rixon in the cart, Clementsorrell was settled two-back along the pegs from barrier two as King Corey led from gate three.

Angled into the clear at the top of the home straight, the son of Totally Ruthless sprinted to a two-metre win from King Corey.

Blue Stone was a metre-and-a-half away third.

“He hasn’t enjoyed much luck at Menangle in the past so it was good to get a win there with him,” Waite said.

“I felt Corey was the better chance, but Clem had other ideas on the day.”

Although he has no particular race in mind for the gelding, Waite has set a specific target for Clementsorrell.

“His 300^th start isn’t that far away and I’ll be looking for the most suitable race available for him at that point,” Waite said.

“It would be great if he can win at his 300^th.”