Frequent-flying horse Greycliffe set to shine

It was an ambitious plan that never really worked out. But, in a roundabout sort of way, stayer Greycliffe has finally made his way to FNQ, just a year or so later than first hoped.

Greycliffe (NZ) ridden by Linda Meech goes out for the Heywood Stockfeeds Maiden Plate at Casterton Racecoure on September 10, 2017 in Casterton, Australia. (Bronwyn Nicholson/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

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It was an ambitious plan that never really worked out.

But, in a roundabout sort of way, stayer Greycliffe has finally made his way to FNQ, just a year or so later than first hoped.

In early 2019, the Cairns Post reported that a motley crew of northern Australian horse racing enthusiasts were plotting an audacious three city Cup raid that year with the former Matt Cumani-trained Greycliffe.

Headlined by a quartet of Far North horse lovers, Cameron, Gary and Ann Riches as well as local builder Bill Anderson, the bay was on track to tackle Cups in Darwin, Townsville and Cairns in those coming months.

Since then, the five-year-old gelding has not won a race, been up to the Northern Territory, down to South Australia and now up again to Mareeba.

“He has got more frequent flyers than me this horse,” Anderson said with a laugh.

Well, as you can see, that first plan did not go as devised.

But, the promising stayer gets his first crack at life in Cairns on Thursday in the Class 6 Handicap (1500m) at Cannon Park, now trained by in-form Alex Malliff.

Greycliffe (NZ) ridden by Jordan Childs wins the Carlton Draught BM64 Handicap at Seymour Racecourse on October 22, 2017 in Seymour, Australia. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

There were many discussions within the ownership group around where Greycliffe would end up in FNQ, but Mareeba is his home for now.

If all things go to the revised plan over the next few months, the Cairns Cup will be the aim, but if he does not live up to expectations, the country Cups series may have to be his go.

“His grand final was going to be carnival time, but the carnival will be later in the year now, which will suit him,” Anderson said.

“He will get the miles in his legs and then look to compete against old Tom Hedley and his horses as he has got a few good ones going around.”

Greycliffe was a rapid riser in the Melbourne spring in 2017 when he finished down the track behind Ace High in November’s Victoria Derby.

Former trainer Cumani has always had a big opinion of the $250,000 purchase from the New Zealand Yearling Sale.

Greycliffe (NZ) ridden by Jordan Childs wins the Carlton Draught BM64 Handicap on October 22, 2017 in Seymour, Australia. (David Thorpe/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Anderson, who owns a number of horses across Australia, is not expecting much on Thursday first-up, but is looking for the well-travelled NZ-bred horse to build into his preparation.

“Ax has got him up to race from when he got him pretty quick so we will see if he has enough miles in his legs for his first-up run here,” Anderson said.

“The 1500m is a big test first-up, but he is a distance horse.”

Malliff, who trained a winner on Sunday at Innisfail, says he is pleased with how his stable newcomer has settled in.

Originally published as Frequent-flying horse Greycliffe set to shine