Well-placed kick puts Mat in the hot seat

TAKING THE REINS: Mat Rue

Well-placed kick puts Mat in the hot seat

September 1, 2021 Paul Courts

THERE is no doubt that Bathurst trainer Greg Rue can spot a horse with potential. Rue, who only trains a small team of pacers...

THERE is no doubt that Bathurst trainer Greg Rue can spot a horse with potential.

Rue, who only trains a small team of pacers at the Bathurst Showground, is currently enjoying a great run with the gelding Best Beau that he purchased earlier this year.

Prior to that his judgement was proven when he secured another gelding in Themidnightrambler and took the pacer up a level, winning two races with him before sending the seven-year-old to Queensland, where he has won another 10 races.

Formerly from Canowindra, Rue has always been recognised as a talented reinsman and once worked for the powerful Jack and Wayne Honan establishment at their famous Killarney Stud Farm where he learned so much and got to handle a plethora of well-credentialled horses.

While Best Beau may not match up against some of those classic winning Honan-owned pacers, he has more than paid his way for Greg and his wife Deanna, winning all five starts since they purchased him just a few months ago.

“I was attracted to this bloke when John Beeby placed him on the market because he was very lowly-assessed,” said Rue.

“And I thought if he could win us one or two races, that would be great.

“But I never thought he would be able to win five in a row.

“He is chasing six on the trot tonight, but he has to contend with an awkward draw (gate nine) which is a bit of a worry, although he does have a good turn of foot, so I think he can still win it.

“My nephew Mat drives Best Beau very well.

“He has won two races on him, and his instructions tonight will be to get off the fence as soon as possible and hopefully things will pan out thereafter.

“I am not driving Best Beau tonight because he lashed out and kicked me in the hand.

“But I guess I can put up with the pain, given what he has done for Deanna and me.

“I only train four or five horses at any one time and l am always on the lookout to buy horses that suit what I do.

“And while I never have superstars, I could not be happier, it keeps me keen to be involved.”