Chronicle of a race day: Mr Brightside on Super Saturday

Will, the horse’s handler, shared the quiet moments before the race, talking about the bond he has with Mr Brightside. “I’ll come around the corner and say something and he’ll always pop his head up, so that’s pretty cool. He knows my voice,” Will said. “It’s amazing to be a part of such a great horse like him that’s going to go down as one of the champions of Australian racing.”

In the build-up to the race, trainer Ben Hayes was feeling the weight of the occasion, admitting he was nervous, but also feeling positive. “I think he’s going to get a lovely run. I’m looking forward to it. These days don’t come along very often, and you’ve just got to enjoy it.”

Another anxious spectator was Rob Auber, who had drawn Mr Brightside in a competition to win $100,000 as an owner ambassador. A racing enthusiast for years, Rob said he felt like he was “in a dream” with the opportunity he’d been given.

Walking the track before the race, jockey Craig Williams (who has been aboard Mr Brightside for eight of his 10 Group 1 wins) spoke of his affection for the horse, especially his will to win.

That will was certainly evident in the race, where Mr Brightside, as always, gave it everything. It was a battle right to the line, but in the end, Mr Brightside finished mere centimetres behind Tom Kitten.

That will was certainly evident in the race, where Mr Brightside, as always, gave it everything. It was a battle right to the line, but in the end, Mr Brightside finished mere centimetres behind Tom Kitten.

Emotions were mixed afterwards. There was, of course, the disappointment of falling just short, but also an overwhelming sense of pride in the horse’s effort. Ben Hayes put it best: “When you get pipped on the line like that, it always hurts, but that’s racing, and that’s why racing is great. We’re so proud of him.”

The team had poured their hearts into the day, and while the win wasn’t meant to be, it was impossible to overlook the heart and spirit of the horse. It’s moments like this that remind us why we love racing – where every race is an emotional rollercoaster, and the highs and lows are felt by everyone involved.