The Otago Daily Times counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.
No 78: Bonecrusher comes to Wingatui (1988)
The big chestnut gelding won 18 races, including nine at group one level, and was the first Kiwi thoroughbred to win $1 million, but it was on that day he raced - in the spine-tingling words of commentator Bill Collins - into "equine immortality".
But for me, and about 5500 other southern race fans, there is another day that will always be remembered when talking of the deeds of one of New Zealand's finest post-war racehorses.
For it was on February 13, 1988 that Bonecrusher raced in the White Robe Lodge Handicap at our very own Wingatui.
The 5-year-old had been out of action for more than 10 months due to a series of setbacks - a strained tendon, a cut leg and a tying-up problem. Trainer Frank Ritchie wanted to start him in the Air New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie in late February, followed by another Australian campaign, but needed a suitable lead-up race as a conditioner first.
Ritchie decided the Wingatui start, combined with the travelling involved, would prepare his charge nicely for the big Auckland race.
To say that southern race fans - not to mention people with even a passing interest in the sport of kings - were enthusiastic would be a massive understatement.
It wasn't just the 5500 - almost four times the usual crowd, and biggest crowd at the Wingatui since the days of champion southern mare Showgate - that turned up at the course to see him race.
More than 50 turned up to see him gallop on the Thursday when there would usually be no more than a handful of hardened track watchers.
Ritchie still remembers well the "wonderful time" he had in Dunedin, saying the horse and connections were "hosted brilliantly".
Needless to say, the Crusher didn't let his army of supporters down on the day, although it was a close-run thing.
Just 50m out, it looked as though Bonecrusher, carrying 57.5kg, was going to be second as he still trailed Robinski (50kg) by half a length. Then jockey Gary Stewart gave the champ a reminder and he picked up the leader in the last six or so strides to win by a head.
Ritchie recalled recently he was "mortified" at the time to win by so small a margin but says now he underestimated the runner-up, who went on to win in America.
For me, personally: $50 to win on the Crusher at $1.50 - $25 profit. Seeing Bonecrusher race and win in the flesh - priceless.
