20 September 2022 | Spotlight On Post Racing Careers
Little more than a year since Psychedelic last raced, he made a return trip to Albion Park on Saturday in his new career drawing a carriage and not a sulky.
The son of Rock N Roll Heaven (USA) was trained by John Cremin and chalked up 19 wins and a further 37 placings across a 148-start career before retiring in May 2021.
So far as send-offs go, Psychedelic’s was not mind-blowing.
Despite being a reliable racer and solid earner ($162,000) for owner Tanya Cremin, the gelding was tailed off at his last two trips to the track, both at Albion Park.
However, it was a triumphant return for Psychedelic underlights at Albion Park.
Now named Ziggy, he is a much-loved carriage horse after graduating from the Queensland Off-The-Track Subsidised Lessons Program under approved Coach Debbie King at Kohinoor Park, Tamborine.
The transition from sprinting pacer to meek and mild carriage horse was for all to see when he strutted his stuff at the QBRED feature night, QStars at The Creek.
Ziggy, with Debbie King in the driver’s seat and Carol Spann as the ‘groom’ took winning connections (pictured) for a lap of honour.
There was no doubt in Debbie’s mind that Psychedelic knew where he was and most likely wanted to be pulling a sulky than a carriage around the circuit.
And there was no doubt he had not been forgotten by harness racing fans who took the time out to meet Ziggy trackside.
“His behaviour was impeccable, although there was no doubting, he knew he was at the track,” said Debbie, pictured with Carol (far right) and Ziggy at Albion Park on Saturday.
“Every time a race started his ears pricked.
“And a lot of adoring fans remembered him and came over and gave him a pat.”
Psychedelic’s new off-the-track career drawing a carriage, further highlights how adaptable Standardbreds are when expertly re-schooled under Queensland Off-The-Track’s experienced retainers and coaches, said Racing Queensland’s Senior Animal Care Manager Kim Duffy.
“It’s very rewarding to see another Standardbred come through our program and be on display for all to see what a magnificent job the coaches and retrainers do,” Ms Duffy said.
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