Joe Pride has long been recognised for reviving the careers of horses others had given up on, but in recent years the Warwick Farm trainer has proven his talent extends well beyond that niche. Pride’s stable now boasts a growing list of home-grown stars that have carried his name to Group 1 glory from day one.
Among his headline acts are elite winners such as Ceolwulf, Think About It and Private Eye — all horses that have been trained exclusively under his care and have developed into top-tier performers.
Yet Pride’s reputation was first built on the back of remarkable transformations, such as turning Vision And Power from a mere handicapper into a dual Group 1 champion, and guiding Sacred Choice from modest beginnings to Group 1 success.
“Honestly, there is nothing I enjoy better than someone ringing me up and saying, can you give this horse a go? Something that was maybe good early and has trained off. I love that challenge,” Pride said.
“I’ve never been able to afford to buy really expensive yearlings, so the next option for me is taking on a horse that has had some challenges but has good ability.
“I’d love to think our system is as good as any at getting the best out of them.”
That philosophy will again be put to the test with Pride’s newest project, Golden Mile, the former Caulfield Guineas winner who now races as a gelding after an aborted stud career.
After being retired to stud in 2024, the Godolphin six-year-old covered only a few mares before suffering an injury that forced a return to the racetrack. Since rejoining the training ranks, Golden Mile has shown flashes of his best, including a Group 1 placing behind Joliestar, but has struggled for consistency.
Pride, who took charge of the horse this season, concedes his early Sydney runs and the Russell Balding Stakes effort were disappointing. Still, he is confident improvement is coming in Saturday’s The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle.
“He’s a good horse. He has been to stud, he’s come back, he’s been gelded. He has had a pretty full life, and I hope that hasn’t taken its toll on him because everything I’ve seen at home suggests it hasn’t and I’ve got a racehorse right there ready to go,” Pride said.
“He’s had two runs back now, he’s a big gross boy – his stable name is Sumo, that’s what he’s built like – and Sumo has needed a couple of runs, as you can imagine.
“He’s had them now so I’d like to think he can go on with it.
“Blinkers go on. I’m not going to say it’s D-day, but it’s close. He’s got to show he’s still got it there and I can’t imagine he will have an excuse on Saturday.”
Golden Mile is rated a $23 chance with Jean Van Overmeire booked to ride from barrier six.
For those planning a wager on The Hunter, compare top bookmaker odds and offers at JustHorseRacing’s bookmakers page.
