THE human side of racing came to the fore at Horsham Racecourse on Sunday as the Wimmera racing community paid tribute to race photographer Dallas Rintoule, who died earlier this year.
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Wimmera Racing honoured Rintoule with a race in his name.
Jockeys backed the move, organising prizes for the winning owner, trainer and jockey.
Horsham hoop Christine Puls said it was an emotional day for the Wimmera's racing community.
"It is important that we are able to remember people such as Dallas Rintoule. He has left a large hole in the racing industry," she said.
Stawell galloper Kala Princess took out the race for trainer Paul Jones and jockey Craig Robertson.
Puls said it was a fitting win.
"Craig has had a few personal challenges he has had to overcome and I know that Dallas supported him through his problems," she said.
"He had that affect on a lot of us jockeys."
Robertson, of Ballarat, said he was thrilled to win the race to honour his mate.
"It was an emotional day. I was very close to Dallas, he was a great bloke and I was proud to call him a friend," he said.
"He was nearly always the first bloke you would see at the races.
"If ever I had a problem he was the first one on the phone. He was not only a great mate professionally, but personally as well."
Robertson said he was determined to ride well in Sunday's feature race.
"As soon as I learned about naming the race after Dallas, I got on the phone to my manager and requested that I get a ride in the race no matter what," Robertson said.
"I would not have cared if that was my only ride for the day, it would have been worth it."
Kala Princess turned in a tough performance, getting into trouble during the run before finding the line strongly.
"I got to the 500 metres and I got into a tough spot. Most times you would say to yourself that you weren't going to win from there, but it was as though Dallas was riding with me, I was able to get out of trouble and go on to win the race," he said.
As Kala Princess strode to the line, Robertson showed absolute emotion, waving the whip as he crossed the line.
"Emotions just took over at that point," he said.
Robertson won a jar of lollies for winning the race, while the horse won a new rug and trainer Paul Jones received a digital camera.
Puls said all prizes were symbolic.
"Dallas always said a winning horse needed a rug. The camera is obvious and the jar of lollies was a big hit, because he loved his lollies," she said.
Puls said every jockey who contested the race was keen to win.
"It was fitting that Craig won the race, given how close they were. But Kate Walter, who finished second, was also close to Dallas. In fact Dallas was meant to be taking her wedding photos," she said.
"There were so many jockeys pushing hard at the turn. You could sense everyone wanted to win the race."
Puls said Rintoule's mother and brother were at the track to watch the race.
"It was just a truly emotional day. I hope it continues well into the future," she said.
FOR more pictures, see today's Mail-Times.
