Trainer frustrated with “soul-destroying” system

VETERAN horseman Bronte Giorgio has used promising freshman Lethal Louie as a prime example of the ‘flaws in the National Rating System’.

Speaking after the two-year-old’s success at Globe Derby yesterday, Giorgio referred to the points-based system as “soul-destroying”.

Having his fourth start, Lethal Louie beat older rivals to take his record to two wins and two placings.

“It was a good win yesterday,” Giorgio said. “He showed a good bit of speed and was able to overcome the worst handicapping system in the world.

“When would ever consider making a two-year-old race against older horses like they have to a good thing?

“It’s soul-destroying when you get a two-year-old like him.

“Next start he’ll be against Celestial Daybreak which has won 44 races or something like that!

“Even if they try to patch it up, nothing works to fix it…it’s very simple, just go back to the old system.”

Away from his frustration – which is becoming a common emotion among trainers and owners – Giorgio is rapt with Lethal Louie’s performance.

Driven by Michael Smith, Lethal Louie lead throughout the 1800-metre trip in 2:01.2 as Waitpinga Heritage and Lieutenant Jack filled the placings.

“It was a pretty good run from him and will serve him well for the Sapling Stake in a couple of weeks,” Giorgio said.

“After that he will head back to Alyce Finnis who will get him ready for the Southern Cross in December.”