By Jordan Gerrans
After going through a few different post-racing career homes, the former trainer of retired trotter Perfect Pegasus is over the moon to see he is still fighting fit at 17 years of age.
In his racing days, the bay colt was as consistent as they came between 2005 and 2009, winning 29 races from 108 starts around Brisbane and the Gold Coast – bringing in $150,702 in prize money for his owners.
In 2021, he is thriving – enjoying life at a Burpengary property of around 14 acres, living out his days among six other horses.
As former trainer Jenelle Fraser recalled this week, they had a few false starts in the hunt for a suitable home post-racing, but they are glad Ian Tucker and his family have taken him in.
The Brisbane-based Tucker’s wife grew up with horses and wanted to impart that experience onto their children.
“My wife had horses as a young girl and now my kids are now of an age, where I thought the mother can impart some of her horsewomen ship on to them,” Tucker said.
“What better way to do it than this and I did not want to let my boys ride anything until they know how to look after one.”
Tucker and his family had acquired Perfect Pegasus (pictured right in his racing days with former trainer Ian Fraser) before they knew of his extensive racing career.
They now often watch the replays of his 29 wins, as well as being placed in a Group 1 race back in 2006.
“It is awesome, they have a whole new appreciation for him,” Tucker said.
“He is well and healthy and still has the air of a winner.”
Tweed Heads trainer Ian Fraser had Perfect Pegasus in his name for much of his racing career, before a sudden stroke limited how much he could physically do with his horses.
Wife Jenelle Fraser eventually took over the training duties in her name, after previously helping Ian out with Perfect Pegasus.
“He was the most beautiful horse, a stallion,” Jenelle said.
“I used to take him to the races and never even had a rearing bit on him.
“He won a lot of races and made it into the Inter Dominion’s.”
As a stallion, Perfect Pegasus went on to breed a number of winners after his racing life.
Fraser last visited Perfect Pegasus around 12 months ago, following his retirement in the middle of 2010, and says after going through a few different homes that did not work out over the years, she is glad Tucker and his family are taking the best of care.
“He looks absolutely magnificent, he is still such a beautiful horse,” Fraser said.
“He was like part of the family and he was such a gutsy racehorse.”
The Tucker family will visit Perfect Pegasus one a day, sometimes twice, such is their relationship with the retired trotter.
Tucker says his 19-year-old stepson Vijay Nutley, who has had an affinity with animals his entire life, has developed a special bond with Perfect Pegasus in recent times.
“It was quickly apparent he had something with the horse and became quite passionate about it,” Tucker said.
“Getting the horse, we are jumping in and getting involved.
“Once the kids demonstrate the awareness and responsibilities required and the commitment needed, then they can progress to mounting a horse of their own.
“They are really gentle with him; my two boys really have something with him and it’s been perfect.
“He is spending his golden years teaching children how to care handle maintain and respect such an animal.”
Nutley (pictured right) previously worked in the construction industry, but was not enjoying it so much, and is now searching for a job in the racing industry following his time spent with Perfect Pegasus.
“He is trying to find some stables where he can work at,” Tucker said.
“He has got an opportunity now to follow his passion.
“Pegasus is well suited to his new environment and lifestyle and if I can get my young ones into racing, it can only be a good outcome for future racing generations.”