Manikato

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Manikato (1975–1984) was a champion Australian racehorse of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

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[edit] Career

Costing only $3,500, he was the second Australian horse, after Kingston Town, to win $1 million in stakes, and, by today's gradings, won as many as 18 races which are now Group One's (as the William Reid, Orr, and Freeway Stakes are now run at Group One level).

A descendant of Nearco, Manikato was originally trained by Bon Hoysted who died soon after Manikato's 1978 Golden Slipper victory. His brother Bob Hoysted took over his training subsequently. Because Manikato was such a tall, heavily topped gelding he put tremendous strain on his legs each time he raced.

Manikato had to overcome serious adversity in his career. He suffered a bleeding attack, a heart attack, and damaged his suspensory tendons. After every race, Bon could be seen wrapping the horse's legs with plastic shopping bags filled with ice, to reduce inflammation.

[edit] After retiring

After retiring from racing in 1983, Manikato was plagued by a virus which he could not shake off. He was humanely euthanased on February 13, 1984. He is buried within sight of some of his greatest wins, the winning post at Moonee Valley Racecourse.

[edit] Statistics

Chestnut gelding bred in Australia in 1975

By Manihi (AUS) from Markato (AUS)

47 starts 29-9-4 $1,154,210

Trainers: Bob Hoysted and Bon Hoysted

Jockeys: Gary Willetts and Roy Higgins

[edit] Group One victories

[edit] Group 2 wins

[edit] See also

[edit] References