Racing favourite Subzero putting in the big strides as he fights life-threatening illness

Best mate Graham Salisbury has his fingers crossed but remains optimistic that ‘people’s champion’ Subzero is showing the necessary fight and improvement to beat a serious health issue.

Graham Salisbury is optimistic Subzero can win his fight against a life-threatening illness as the 1992 Melbourne Cup winner rallies against a serious kidney issue.

Due to turn 31 next week, Subzero remains at Bendigo Equine Hospital after suffering colic and secondary problems with his kidneys.

“He’s all right, he’s comfortable,” owner Salisbury said on Thursday of the much-loved grey. “They’re putting another drip in him and he’s wired up at the moment. He’s got all this rigmarole hanging off him.

“At this particular point in time, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t pull through.

“But what he’s gone through, he hasn’t had a real good time with the colic and then the kidney problems.

“The colic drained the fluids out of the kidneys. He’s happy and all right within himself. He’s in good hands.”

Salisbury has cared for Subzero for 25 years. The champion stayer has been employed in a variety of ways, including racing promotions, and visits to hospitals and schools.

A former clerk of the course, Salisbury is continuing a parallel battle with cancer as his great mate struggles for health.

“Both of us have ­hurdles in front of us, but we’re both Mosstroopers (champion jumper),” he said.

Subzero came down with an attack of colic on Sunday but after being treated by veterinary surgeons from the Bendigo Equine Hospital at Salisbury’s property he came good on Monday.

Veterinary surgeon Sarah Jalim checked him on Tuesday but was concerned that something else was wrong.

Much-loved 1992 Melbourne Cup winner Subzero is facing a fight for his life.

“She said he’s a freak that he’s beaten the colic but she took bloods from him to find out what else there was and she’s rung me this morning and told me to get him in here as there’s a kidney problem,” Salisbury said.

Salisbury said the treatment to get over the colic had brought on the kidney problem.

“He had 10 litres of oil put him through him to get over the colic and eventually he was able to produce manure but that's left its mark and it’s stuffed his kidneys.”

Subzero and Graham Salisbury have brought joy to thousands of children with their many visits to primary schools in Victoria.

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Salisbury took the rising 31-year-old galloper into the Bendigo Equine Hospital on Monday morning and said he was responding well.

Salisbury said kidneys though could be good one minute and then drop away quickly.

He said that when Subzero had the colic he was going out every two hours in freezing cold temperatures to comfort him.

Subzero dashes past the post to win the 1992 Melbourne Cup.

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“He’d see me and start calling out. I’d go out and spend 15 to 20 minutes with him at it was minus one but I didn’t care.

“He’s one of my family and I just want to see him get better.”

Salisbury said he was worried on Sunday as Subzero “wasn’t flash” so they took him into the clinic and he was treated for colic.

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“He’s a strong old horse with a will to win. He’s beaten the colic and now he’s got to beat the kidney problem.

“Sarah and Michael (Whiteford) did a great job with the colic and they’ll look after him again.”

Subbie — as he is affectionately known — with prep student Evie and racing personality Katelyn Mallyon during a visit to St Raphaels Primary School.

It was only six weeks ago Salisbury had 2mm of his spine removed.

Salisbury and Subzero have become two of the most famous figures in racing.

When Subzero retired from racing he became Salisbury’s mount as clerk of the course at Melbourne race meetings.

Graham Salisbury and his wonderful Subzero are what makes Racing great. The combination are now Racing folklore. It can never be underestimated the joy these 2 have brought to thousands young and old. Both are going through very tough times, spare a thought #Subbiethechamp

— Bryan Martin OAM (@bmracingclub) July 24, 2019

After Salisbury retired as a clerk of the course in 2008 he and Subzero became racing ambassadors visiting schools and charities together.

As a rising 31-year-old, the much-loved Subbie is about 87 years old when compared to the human age.

You wouldn’t read about it: There’s really not much the grand old man cannot do.

Originally published as Racing favourite Subzero putting in the big strides as he fights life-threatening illness