By Duane Ranger (Courtesy of Redcliffe Paceway)
Twenty years after embarking on a calling career at the Redcliffe Trials, Anthony Collins has now called his own colours home thanks to a gutsy Dayl March drive behind Collins’ 8-year-old Safari mare, London Lady.
Redcliffe Paceway keeps producing special moments for its 36-year-old race-caller, Anthony Collins.
They got home by a nose in the sixth event at ‘The Triangle’ on April 24, after sitting parked and then hitting the front down the back straight the last time.
“This was ‘a next level’ experience after having already called greyhounds and thoroughbreds I’ve owned or had shares in – first across the line. It was the first time I’ve called one that I have trained and owned.
“On hindsight it was a very satisfying experience personally, but nothing ground-breaking or historical. I’m no ‘Robinson Crusoe’, because I’m sure other callers like Adam Crettenden, John Tapp, Jim Jacques, and Lachlan McIntosh have all done it.
“But I didn’t really appreciate it at the time until later on after work when I read my name in the race-book. When I go to work, I’m Anthony Collins the race-caller, and very hard not to let my personal emotions get in the way of professionalism, Collins said.”
But Warwick-based Collins admits he was a tad nervous the day before, and day of the race.
“I thought, imagine if I called my mare home first and she actually finished second by a nose. That would look great on the training and calling CV when I retire!” he joked.
Collins worst nightmare almost became a reality had it not been for his professionalism. In fact, the finish was so close between London Lady and My China Doll, the photo-finish here says it all. March and London Lady (5) are closest to the camera.
When they crossed the line locked together Collins said:
“I better stay out of this one, or I’ll never forgive myself.”
Then when the judge’s decision came through, Collins exclaimed:
“You little ripper. Okay Relays back to you, I’m off to enjoy it.”
London Lady, who started from barrier five, was having her 100th start, and first for Collins, after previously being stabled with Gary Gerrard at Jimboomba.
She has now won 14 races ($65,880) since making her race-day debut at Wagga in March 2019.
Collins said he had experienced many dimensions of all three racing codes, but calling “one of the family” home first this was a “uniquely satisfying experience”.
“The horses you train and care for from morning to night become more than pets. They become part of your family. It’s a very personal relationship that most horsemen and women feel,” Collins said.
Then on Monday (May 1) at Marburg, it was déjà vu for Collins when he called home Melton Xmas Girl and March to win race two.
“That was quite surreal as well. It’s a very satisfying job when you win, but I’m just the trainer. On race-night Richard and Dayl (March) should take all the credit.
“I hitch a ride with them, get to the track, go upstairs, and then they do the hard work. They are special long-time mates from back home in Warwick. People I treasure and people who have taught me a great deal,” Collins said.
As well as London Lady and Melton Xmas Girl, he’s also working Maywyn A Jug Ortwo, and Melton Max Gentle.
On March 3 Collins also called Spring Demon home in first place at the Ipswich Greyhounds. He co-owns that winner of four of his 27 starts.
Redcliffe Paceway, the Ipswich Dogs, Toowoomba Gallops Saturday nights, and other stints at tracks like Warwick, Gatton and Kilcoy.
But Collins said he always sees himself as a broadcaster who works horses.
“I love my lot at the moment. I’ve always loved horses and I always dreamed of race-calling. I have no desire to call at the Metropolitan tracks. You can’t beat what I’ve experienced with ‘my babies’ in recent weeks,” Collins said.
“It’s still amazing to think that without me they don’t live. They need you, and I just love being around my horses.
“Calling one home at Redcliffe was extra special,” he said.
Warwick State School-educated Collins, who has trained in all three codes, has now had 21 standardbred winners from 282 starters since 2004-2005. He’s also had 47 place-getters.
He’s also had a handful of driving victories mainly at Rocklea – the last being behind the David Millard trained Romijn at Albion Park on September 10, 2012.
So, who is Anthony Collins?
In May 2021 Redcliffe Paceway spoke to Collins about his life. His story can be read here:
https://duanerangerharnessracing.com/anthony-collins-loves-being-back-where-it-all-started/
ends.
