Marsh has throw at stumps for maiden city win

By Glenn Davis

Deagon hobby trainer Michael Marsh hopes to land his first city winner with Bulsara at Doomben on Wednesday and will dedicate it to the late Pat Duff if successful.

The 52-year-old Marsh has two horses on his books, but Bulsara is the only one in work.

Bulsara will step up to metropolitan grade for the first time in the Benchmark 68 Handicap over 1200 metres.

Marsh has had the odd city starter since he began training about four years ago but is yet to produce a winner.

“I’ve only trained three winners, but I really believe Bulsara deserves a chance in the city,” Marsh said.

“My first win came from Tereshkova at Kilcoy but she’s now in the paddock.

“So, I’ve only got Bulsara in work at the moment and he’s racing well and is a real fighter.

“He always gives 100% and he likes to get into a dog fight if he leads.”

Bulsara was originally trained by Duff before he passed away almost two years ago.

“Pat was my mentor and he was the first person to congratulate me when I won my first race,” Marsh said.

“I learnt a hell of a lot from Pat and if Bulsara wins, I’ll be dedicating it to him. Pat was more than a friend and was always there to help if I needed advice.”

Marsh and the Duff family go back a long way. Marsh delivers hay and feed for a living. 

“My Dad, Steve, used to train at Deagon and was a good mate of Pat and his family,” he said.

“They used to race Bulsara along with Pat’s twin brother Cedric and he still races in Cedric’s orange colours.”

A butcher by trade, Marsh has had many jobs before turning to training.

“I’ve been a jack of all trades and a master of none, as they say,” Marsh said.

“I did my butcher apprenticeship in Brisbane then moved to Rockhampton for a while then to Toowoomba and spent a time at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.

While Marsh admits it will be an emotional time if Bulsara wins, he’s not getting carried away.

“It’s a big jump in class and it might be a bit strong,” he said.

“When Pat trained him for Mum and Dad, he won a few races, but they gave him to me when Pat passed away.

“He’s had a few issues, but since I’ve nursed him along, he's been fine. It’ll be a dream come true if he wins.”