Hoss Talk

If you ever need a story, visit a racetrack," said the late Province sports columnist Jim Coleman.

Last Sunday, Doreen Murray, along with 12 members of her family visited Hastings Racecourse to watch their horse Paulswithdavid make the second start of his career.

Bred by John and Heidi Gilchrist, Paulswithdavid was named after two of Doreen's children, Paul and David, who had both passed away.

During the 1970s, skier Dave Murray was a member of the legendary Canadian men's alpine team called the Crazy Canucks. Comprised of four young men (Ken Read, Steve Podborski, Dave Irwin and Murray) who dominated the World Cup downhill skiing circuit.

In 1990, Dave Murray died of cancer. Then in 2001, Paul, a licenced pilot, also passed away.

"I'd grown up with the Murrays, who were like my second family," said John Gilchrist. "And when my mare had her first foal two days after Paul passed away, I thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice to name a horse after them?'"

After submitting several names to the Jockey Club for approval, he was allowed Paulswithdavid.

Upon learning of Gilchrist naming a horse after her two sons, Doreen Murray asked about owning some of the horse.

"The next day, Bruce and Craig, [Paul's and David's brothers] also showed interest in being involved with the horse," said Gilchrist. "I thought this was wonderful."

Running in his first race April 24, Paulswithdavid broke slowly and finished fifth. In his next start last Sunday, Paulswithdavid won easily by five lengths -- making it a Mother's Day the Murray family will never forget.

"I couldn't believe it," said Doreen. "I never expected him to win. When the announcer kept calling Paulswithdavid's name during the race, there was this wonderful feeling among all of us."

FINISH LINES: Budget Stables' Pretty Meadow, ridden by Jake Barton and trained by Janet Armstrong, proved best winning Saturday's $40,000 Sun Handidap. ... In the $25,000 co-feature, Roscoe Pito, also ridden by Barton, easily beat a field of top older horses.

twolski@shaw.ca

(Tom Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Citytv)

If you ever need a story, visit a racetrack," said the late Province sports columnist Jim Coleman.

Last Sunday, Doreen Murray, along with 12 members of her family visited Hastings Racecourse to watch their horse Paulswithdavid make the second start of his career.

Bred by John and Heidi Gilchrist, Paulswithdavid was named after two of Doreen's children, Paul and David, who had both passed away.

During the 1970s, skier Dave Murray was a member of the legendary Canadian men's alpine team called the Crazy Canucks. Comprised of four young men (Ken Read, Steve Podborski, Dave Irwin and Murray) who dominated the World Cup downhill skiing circuit.

In 1990, Dave Murray died of cancer. Then in 2001, Paul, a licenced pilot, also passed away.

"I'd grown up with the Murrays, who were like my second family," said John Gilchrist. "And when my mare had her first foal two days after Paul passed away, I thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice to name a horse after them?'"

After submitting several names to the Jockey Club for approval, he was allowed Paulswithdavid.

Upon learning of Gilchrist naming a horse after her two sons, Doreen Murray asked about owning some of the horse.

"The next day, Bruce and Craig, [Paul's and David's brothers] also showed interest in being involved with the horse," said Gilchrist. "I thought this was wonderful."

Running in his first race April 24, Paulswithdavid broke slowly and finished fifth. In his next start last Sunday, Paulswithdavid won easily by five lengths -- making it a Mother's Day the Murray family will never forget.

"I couldn't believe it," said Doreen. "I never expected him to win. When the announcer kept calling Paulswithdavid's name during the race, there was this wonderful feeling among all of us."

FINISH LINES: Budget Stables' Pretty Meadow, ridden by Jake Barton and trained by Janet Armstrong, proved best winning Saturday's $40,000 Sun Handidap. ... In the $25,000 co-feature, Roscoe Pito, also ridden by Barton, easily beat a field of top older horses.

twolski@shaw.ca

(Tom Wolski can be seen on the Sport of Kings, 11 a.m. Saturdays, Citytv)

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com