A book should be written about this guy... there's way too much to say but here's the short version.
His name is Sir Slick and he's a national treasure. He'll be making his 132nd start (in another G1. I believe he's won 6) this weekend.
His fans, and ed can vouch for me here, hae been horrified by his trainer at times but then he comes back and wins and (thankfully) makes us all look a little silly calling for an end to his career over and over (although I do think it's time)..
This past Christmas day he was found in his stall, nearly dead, from rat poison.
Anyway this is 9 year old Sir Slick winning the Awapuni Gold Cup back in April. It was his third time winning this race and, if you watch it, I think you'll agree that even the announcer is amazed.
As an aside Vosne Romanee, the HOY, is one of the runners.
One of the great and happiest moments of the year...
The great, the gallant, the people's champion, the beloved, legend of New Zealand racing...
... this is Sir Slick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLuLYhjfSlI
(video courtesy of ed).