HORSES BIRTHDAY 2023

Happy Horses Birthday!

In recognition of today’s National Horse’s Birthday, QRIC had the pleasure of speaking with Mel Eggleston, trainer of Nakanai, or “Shrek” to his loved ones.

Shrek raced until he was 12 and a half, working an impressive and rare eight years.

Mel described the horse as a beautiful, professional who truly loved to race and credits his success to the unique bond with his owner.

Bought by Amanda Jupp as a yearling, the two developed an unshakable bond.

“He never raced without Amanda strapping him… he can spot Amanda a mile away,” he said.

Mel said this attachment contributed to the horse being happy and content in the stables.

“He was closely monitored for injury because his owner Amanda loved him and would never allow him to compete with a question on his fitness,” he said.

His last start was at the Gold Coast in July 2021 after 167 race starts, 13 wins, 8 seconds and 15 thirds.

In his retirement, Shrek rejected the calm paddock lifestyle and has been working as a lead and companion horse for Mel and Amanda’s stable.

“He settles the racehorses down on track because he was always relaxed and happy on track,” Mel said.

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