11/09/2024
Dad popped in today to say hi and give MI CON ACRE a pat. He hadn’t seen him in a while, and the smile on Dad’s face said it all! It’s moments like these that remind me why we had such big dreams for this c**t and what he’s already achieved in such a short time.
I’m beyond grateful for the incredible tribe of people who helped make this happen. Dad and I couldn’t have done it without you all.
Shoutout to Cameron Turner, who broke in Mi Con Acre, and to my cousin Beau Beutel, who (if you ask him) did "all the training" 😄. Thanks for those wet saddle blankets, Beau!
We then sent Mi Con Acre to Nathan Wilson Training Stables, where he was prepared for the 2023 Cloncurry Challenge. Mi Con Acre placed 4th in the campdraft and 9th overall out of 100+ horses (I believe—don’t quote me on that!). Afterward, he came home, and we headed to the Bollon Draft in 2023 with Robert Bunn (Bunny) as the jockey. Dad said to Bunny, "Just a 90, big fella," and Bunny delivered an 89 in the first round of the maiden. Though we were unsuccessful in the final, we didn’t care—what a run!
This story is particularly special because Bunny had just finished chemo the Wednesday before. His goal throughout treatment was to do the spring run of drafts, and thanks to his grit and Mi Con Acre’s talent, they pulled off this incredible first run.
After a well-earned rest, we hit the spring run again this year, starting with the Dirranbandi Campdraft. Bunny and Mi Con Acre scored 89 in the first round and 87 in the final, giving them a 14-point lead to take the WIN! What made it extra special was that Dad couldn’t be there—he was in the hospital for surgery. Before going in, Dad knew we were in the lead. As soon as he got out of recovery, still groggy, Dad called me. I put him on loudspeaker, and I told him, "We’ve got a novice for you, Dad." He was over the moon! I was sitting with Uncle Don, Beau, Curtis, and Bunny—you couldn’t wipe the smile off our faces.
The best part? Today, I got to give Dad the trophy, saddle cloth, and ribbon. He did ask about the prize money, but I told him it’s his shout at the bar! 🍻
And this is only the beginning...