For decades, Joe Pride has built his reputation as the trainer capable of rekindling careers others couldn’t. But as the Warwick Farm conditioner’s stable continues to evolve, his success with horses trained from the outset — such as Ceolwulf, Think About It and Private Eye — has confirmed the breadth of his skill.
Pride first earned national recognition by resurrecting runners like Vision And Power and Sacred Choice, each rising from mid-grade performers to Group 1 winners under his meticulous management.
“Honestly, there is nothing I enjoy better than someone ringing me up and saying, can you give this horse a go? Something that was maybe good early and has trained off. I love that challenge,” Pride said.
“I’ve never been able to afford to buy really expensive yearlings, so the next option for me is taking on a horse that has had some challenges but has good ability.
“I’d love to think our system is as good as any at getting the best out of them.”
Now, Pride’s knack for rejuvenation will again be tested as he takes over the training of Golden Mile — a horse once destined for breeding but now seeking redemption on the track.
The Caulfield Guineas-winning son of Astern had a brief stint at stud in 2024 before injury curtailed his career and saw him gelded. After showing glimpses of his former brilliance with a Group 1 placing behind Joliestar, he has struggled to replicate that consistency since returning to racing.
Pride admits his initial performances, including an unplaced run in the Russell Balding Stakes, have been underwhelming, but he’s encouraged by what he’s seeing behind the scenes ahead of Saturday’s The Hunter (1300m).
“He’s a good horse. He has been to stud, he’s come back, he’s been gelded. He has had a pretty full life, and I hope that hasn’t taken its toll on him because everything I’ve seen at home suggests it hasn’t and I’ve got a racehorse right there ready to go,” Pride said.
“He’s had two runs back now, he’s a big gross boy – his stable name is Sumo, that’s what he’s built like – and Sumo has needed a couple of runs, as you can imagine.
“He’s had them now so I’d like to think he can go on with it.
“Blinkers go on. I’m not going to say it’s D-day, but it’s close. He’s got to show he’s still got it there and I can’t imagine he will have an excuse on Saturday.”
Golden Mile is quoted at $23 with Jean Van Overmeire aboard from gate six, as Pride looks to add another rejuvenated runner to his long list of success stories.
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