Old warrior chases Doomben 10,000 history

By Glenn Davis

There’s sure to be a tear or two shed from trainer Robert Heathcote if elder statesman Rothfire can win the Doomben 10,000 on Saturday.

Rothfire will be out to avenge last year’s Doomben 10,000 result after finishing second to Sunshine In Paris.

Rothfire is in the twilight of his career and will be chasing a slice of Doomben 10,000 history, as no eight-year-old has won the race since it was first run in 1933.

If successful, Rothfire will eclipse the deeds of three previous Doomben 10,000 champions who saluted as seven-year-olds.

Gold Force held the honour of being the oldest horse at seven to win the Doomben 10,000 in 1944 until he was joined by champion and Australian Hall of Famer Takeover Target in 2007.

Eduardo equalled their feat when he won the Doomben 10,000 in 2021.

Heathcote is a multiple Group 1-winner, but hasn’t been in the winner’s stall at that level since Startantes won the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm in 2022.

Rothfire - a Brad Rawiller mount - is coming off a trip to Rockhampton where he had no luck after being trapped wide early and beat only one home behind Yellow Brick in the $1 million The Archer last week.

“He was taken out of the race in The Archer at the 250 metre mark and dropped out to beat one home,” Heathcote said.

“He’s still a very popular horse who has had his share of problems in his career, but he’s tough and will go into the race as sound as a bell.

“But, as I’ve always said, once he shows he doesn’t want to be competitive - I’ll retire him straight away.”

Heathcote also had Abounding in the Doomben 10,000 but she has since been scratched from the event. 

‘‘I’m looking for a wet track for Rothfire,” Heathcote said.

Meanwhile, Private Eye was scratched from the event on Thursday afternoon. 

Private Eye was initially accepted to face the starter but once the track was rated Heavy 8, trainer Joe Pride opted not to head north for Saturday's feature event.