Hygain presents ‘Blast from the past’

OUR recent article about Lisa Lewis’ quest to emulate one of her grandfather’s feats has prompted a trip down ‘memory lane’.

Making the trip to Queensland ahead of Saturday night’s opening round of heats, Lewis is attempting to win the industry’s ‘Holy Grail’ – the Inter Dominion.

LISA LEWIS

Lewis will contest the time-honoured Championship with former boom pacer Captain Ravishing, which is poised to make his debut for the Victorian horsewoman.

In a time when the industry was mainstream news, Lewis’ grandfather Alf Simons and his star pacer Bold David were a regular headline thanks to his feats at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds.

Simons and Bold David reached the pinnacle in 1970 by capturing the Inter Dominion at their home track.

Beginning from scratch with Simons in the cart, Bold David rated 2:06.6 for the 14 furlong and 36 yard standing start Final to score by two lengths from Bylaw.

Bon Adios, which came from a 12-yard backmark, was a length away third.

While he will always be remembered for his success in the world renowned event, Bold David’s story goes beyond his racing achievements.

A solid built pacer with a strong determination matched only by his heart, Bold David was the equine reflection of the man who took him to grand heights.

Just to highlight the bond between man and beast, Simons drove Bold David to all of his 41 wins!

ALF SIMONS and Bold David reminiscing about their Inter Dominion win

Ironically, Simons initially turned down a request to train Bold David, but changed his mind in order to help a friend.

“I had a lot of horses at the time and didn’t want to take him,” Simons was quoted as saying. “Charlie (Priddeth, owner) was a very good man with young horses and a great friend of ours, so I agreed.

“I certainly never regretted accepting his offer.”

Bold David was retired after breaking his cannon bone as a nine-year-old. He contested 189 races for 41 wins, 41 seconds, 30 thirds and $97,303 in prizemoney.

Simons, who was sidelined by an injury resulting from a race fall, didn’t drive Bold David during his last start, with Peter Ward taking the reins.

Despite the loss of his stable star, Simons continued to prepare a string of handy competitors during the ensuing years, with his driving career coming to an end in 1982.

Although he appealed the inevitable, Simons was a victim of the compulsory retirement rule.

Simons’ final success as a reinsman was behind Basil Bells at Stawell on July 13, 1982, just four days short of his 65th birthday.