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Wallace hopeful of Beaudesert success

22 March 2021

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By Glenn Davis

Gold Coast trainer John Wallace has prepared some of Queensland’s turf greats over several decades, but will be happy if he can land a winner with his sole runner Cossie at Beaudesert on Tuesday.

Cossie is one of four in work, who will be ridden by apprentice Zac Lloyd in the fillies and mares’ Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1200 metres.

Cossie has started 43 times for four wins and 14 placings, and is coming off a last start second to Bay Of Dragons in an 1100-metre Benchmark race at the Gold Coast on March 6.

Wallace is not concerned with the heavy track for Cossie, who has been placed once in four starts in the going while she has five placings from 12 starts on soft tracks.

“She’s a good honest mare who has been struggling to win lately but she gets her chance tomorrow,” Wallace said.

“She was bred by my partner Jenna Poppitt who is a vet but she’s having some time off with an injury.

“I think with the claim for Zac (Lloyd) she’ll get her chance to win.”

Wallace, 75, is best remembered as the trainer of 1994 Melbourne Cup placegetter Oompala, as well as putting the early polish on Shoot Out, who won the Group 1 Randwick Guineas and Group 1 Australian Derby in 2010.

Shoot Out later went on to claim two more Groups 1s in the George Main Stakes in 2012 and Chipping Norton in 2013 after being transferred to champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller.

As well as Oompala and Shoot Out, Wallace trained some of the State’s top sprinters including Mitanni and Dynamic Love while he also claimed the Group 1 Queensland Oaks in 1982 with Mother Of Pearl.

Cossie RETIRED 2023

Wallace has overcome a series of health problems throughout his training career and is content these days to keep his numbers low.

“I don’t have a lot in work at the moment but I’ve just been given two yearlings to train who were bought by the Mishani man, Mick Crooks and a solicitor mate of mine Paul Carter,” Wallace said.

“They’re both Better Than Ready colts which is good and they will join the stable of four horses I’ve currently got in work.”

Wallace has recovered from two heart attacks over the years, however he has no thoughts of retiring.

“I’ve had two hearts attacks and I’m full of stents,” Wallace quipped.

“I’ve got no plans to retire, it’s what keeps me going and I enjoy it.

“I haven’t lost my ability to train but I just haven’t had the right cattle the last few years.

“I enjoy racing and the people in it and it’s what keeps me alive.”

Wallace’s last winner was Richest at Murwillumbah in November last year and he’s confident of ending the drought with Cossie.