Maunder's dedication pays off

I AM But A Fool only won a Class 1 at the Gold Coast this afternoon, but trainer Michael Maunder had every reason to be moved by the mare’s success.Maunder has nursed the four-year-old back from racing’s scrapheap over the past 12 months and admitted today’s win gave him one of his most satisfying moments with horses.
“She’d had her first four starts in North Queensland in 2010 then she spent months in a paddock near Bowen before I took her over,’’ said Maunder.
“I was interested in training her as she is a half-sister to Emmalene (a Flemington winner last November).
“When she came here last year you wouldn’t believe how thin she was and I spent the first few months bulk-feeding her and just walking her as I was too embarrassed to take her to the track she was in such bad shape.
“But after six months she was finally ready to race and won at Beaudesert at her fourth run back.’’
She finished unplaced at her next few starts but showed a glimpse of form when third at the Gold Coast on June 9 before landing today’s Southport RSL Sub-Branch F&M Class 1 Hcp (1400m).
Ridden by Tony Pattillo, I Am But A Fool ($11) was always in a forward position and drew clear of Wanda’s Girl ($3.70) for a three-quarters of a length win. They streeted the rest, with Gorgeous Goldie ($9) 4-1/2 lengths away in third.
“Her win today has given me a great deal of satisfaction considering how she was when I first took her on and I must admit I was a bit emotional after the race,’’ said Maunder.
“It’s taken time for things to click with her and hopefully she’s now starting to turn the corner. I think she has the ability to go and win a race in town.’’
Story: Neil Archer
Photo: Trackside Photography Pty Ltd