Pollock celebrates 82nd with a winner

By Jordan Gerrans

Veteran Burpengary East horseman Des Pollock has had a week to remember.

The long-time trainer in the Sunshine State celebrated his 82nd birthday on Friday and just a few days before, one of two horses he has in work scored at Redcliffe.

The Pollock-prepared Rocky Outlook has been searching for a maiden victory since May of 2023 and now racing as a six-year-old, he finally got there under lights at ‘The Triangle’.

Young reinswoman Paige Bevan has long driven for the Pollock stable and she was in the seat for the well-deserved triumph.

The octogenarian has been licenced as a conditioner for much of his life and is aided around his stables by his daughter Kerri Dowsett and her husband Spike.

Rocky Outlook won at his 33rd career start after placing on eight earlier occasions.

“It was a good early birthday present for him,” Dowsett said of her father’s winner on Wednesday evening.

“He said to Paige after the race that it was a lovely early birthday present for him.”

Pollock is one of a small number of trainers in Queensland who are still preparing a team of horses beyond their 80th birthday.

Vic Frost and John Straiha are also still going strong in their 80s, with both regularly turning out winners.

Pollock’s triumph on Wednesday night was his first since the 2024 season.

“As a person, it gives him something to get up for in the morning and it's an interest he's had since he was 20 years old,” Dowsett said.

“He's seen a lot of changes over the years. He's had his licence since he was 20 years old.

“There were a couple of years there he didn't have it for a while and then he got back into it. But, he just enjoys it, he likes the horses.

“I enjoy doing it with my father, as well, and my husband, he helps out around the stables, also.

“Because my Dad's getting on in age, he still wants a couple to potter around with and have some out there.

“So, we can at least go to the races and watch them, as well.”

Starting from two on the front row as a $26 chance, Bevan drove Rocky Outlook to victory by more than three metres.

Including trials and races, the 24-year-old Bevan has driven the son of Pet Rock on 29 occasions, so the stable was glad to see her land the breakthrough prize.

“I can't praise young Paige enough, she's lovely,” Dowsett said.

“She always stuck with us and she's been really great.

“I'm so glad that she was able to get the first win on him because she loves him.

“We were really happy with it. We were absolutely stoked with the way Paige drove him. Paige is fantastic.

“She's the one who's driven him in all of his races. We've had a couple of people drive him in trials before, but she's the one who's always driven him in the races. She loves him.

“She thinks he's great. She's a great little driver in our opinion. She's a lovely young lady.

“But, going into the race, we thought he was in with perhaps a good chance because even the week before, he came third and he'd come from near the back of the field.

“He ran his last quarter last week, the fastest last quarter.”

Dowsett owns Rocky Outlook and is hands-on with the pacer around their stable.

The gelding initially raced in Victoria before he was purchased after Pollock kept a close eye on his replays.

“I help him with the horses,” Dowsett said.

“That little fella, actually, I have to do most of the things with because he gets a little bit cranky around men.

“I don't know what has possibly happened to him in the past, but he can get a bit cranky.

“So, I do most of the harnessing. I do all the harnessing up of him and everything at the races and around home.

“I couldn't be any happier with him.

“We will give him one thing. He's a trier. He always has a go, the little fella.

“We did have a little bit of trouble there where he galloped a couple of times, but we've sorted all that out.

“They can always do things to try you at times. So, fingers crossed, we've got him definitely right and he'll just keep improving.

“He's not a big fella, but he's certainly got a big heart, I will say that much for him.”

Pollock and Dowsett also prepare Joe Cavalier, who finished back in the field in his race on Wednesday night.

The family also races Aladdin Sane, who won a race in April, with trainer Trent Moffat and My Ultimate Bruno with conditioner Bryse McElhinney.

For his 82nd birthday, Pollock was set to have a quiet lunch with his family while also enjoying a bourbon or two.

Joe Cavalier and Rocky Outlook are likely to be back at Redcliffe next week.