News

Noel Boland ‘Lured’ To Louth For Fourth Straight Cup Win

5th Aug 2014

Racing NSW - Mark Brassel - Tuesday, 5 August 2014

Trainer Noel Boland is confident he can snare his fourth successive Louth Cup this Saturday when Husisname lines up in the 2000-metre contest.

A keen fisherman, Boland was yesterday nearing the end of his 12-hour journey to Louth from his home base at Branxton, situated between Maitland and Singleton.

“I left home at 4:45am and I’m now at Cobar refuelling then have another two hours’ drive to Louth,” Boland said. “I’m taking six horses up to Louth and intend to have two runners in the Cup.”

Husisname, a tough nine-year-old, has won the past three Louth Cups when partnered by Michael Hackett (2011), Greg Ryan (2012) and James Geppert (2013).

“James will be riding him again and he also has a bit of a drive in front of him, coming up from Moruya on the New South Wales south coast.”

Boland revealed the naming of Husisname, pronounced ‘who’s his name’: “That’s what we always used to say when we were at school and a new kid came into the class ‘who’s his name’.”

Boland has missed attending just two of the past 10 years at Louth: “I missed the anniversary meeting in 2008 when I had a knee replacement, and we all missed 2010 when it was washed out.”

Husisname will be joined in the Louth Cup by stablemate Park Heir. “Husisname is going to be very hard to beat in the Cup. He’s a dyed-in-the-wool stayer and absolutely loves the dirt track at Louth and holds a track record.

“He’s had four races on it, won three Louth Cups and the other time finished fourth in his maiden when beaten just over a length. I think the horse loves the trip as much as I do.

“Louth Cup Day is something special – once you go you want to always go back. And the fishing can be excellent too. Being born and bred in Wee Waa (near Narrabri) I love to fish.

“You can catch yellow belly and cod in the Darling River at Louth. I was there a couple of years ago and we caught craybobs (yabbies) about 10 inches (25cm) long.”

Husisname was purchased by Noel for $3,500 at the 2007 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale