Authentic wins Kentucky Derby, Gold Coast part-owners Brett and Brian Walsh thrilled by success of Californian racehorse

It’s one of the world’s most prestigious races – and this year’s Derby was a proud moment for two Gold Coast men.

RESIDENTS of a Gold Coast aged care home have a new hero to cheer for – a racehorse linked to their 90-year-old mate and his son that won the famed Kentucky Derby.

Brian, 90, and Brett Walsh, 59, own about one per cent of Authentic, which made it five wins from six starts when claiming America’s most prestigious race this month.

The overall ownership in the horse is more than 5000 people because shares unrelated to the Walsh investment could be bought for US$206 for 0.001 per cent.

The horse races under the Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables and Starlight Racing banners and is trained by legendary US horseman Bob Baffert.

It took the Walshes decades to get into a horse of the calibre of Authentic, now said to be valued in the millions.

Brett Walsh said it was a fairytale win and his elderly father, who lives with dementia, was over the moon to have backed a winner.

The pair have links to more than 10 racehorses across the world.

Authentic cost US$360,000 as a yearling.

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John Velazquez rides Authentic over the line to win the 2020 Kentucky Derby in the United States. The horse is part-owned by the Gold Coast's Brian and Brett Walsh. Picture: US Racing.com

Mr Walsh said his dad’s friends also living at TriCare Mermaid Beach have found a new-found reason to tune in to the races.

“My father is unfortunately in lockdown (because of coronavirus), so we didn’t watch it together, but I spoke to him after the race and he was so thrilled,” he said.

“Everyone at the nursing home is really looking forward to all the races now. They’ve got this huge screen in their theatre and half the residents will be in there watching the races.

“As I said to my father, it’s not just for your benefit, it’s for your mates and everyone at the nursing home too. That’s what it’s all about.”

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Broadbeach’s Brett Walsh, 59, has a stake in racehorse Authentic with his father Brian Walsh, 90. Authentic won the Kentucky Derby on September 5. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Meanwhile, Mr Walsh faced some technical issues tuning in to watch Authentic in action on September 6.

Struggling to hone in on the right race, the Broadbeach man missed the contest entirely and only managed to catch the results, which came as quite a shock.

“The channel changed and next minute I was watching the trotting. I sang out and swore at the top of my voice, everyone in the building probably heard me,” Mr Walsh laughed.

“I was flicking through the races and eventually I got back to Authentic’s race and the TAB results came up, so I never actually got to see the race.

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“When I finally saw the results I just thought ‘oh my God, we’ve won it’.

“I’m more honoured than anything to have our horse as a participant in the Derby. Very few people get the opportunity to run in that race, let alone win it.

Authentic (#18), ridden by jockey John Velazquez, wins the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, US on September 5. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images

“It’s like the Melbourne Cup, whether you win or lose at least you’re in it.”

Mr Walsh had bets hedged on a place, but his Californian runner exceeded all expectations in the US$3 million derby.

The horse has now won US$2.8 million.

Unlike many in the industry, Mr Walsh is not particularly concerned with bloodline and price.

“We look at horses differently to a lot of people. We go on personality,” he explained.

“I could tell from the videos sent to me, the expression on the horse’s face, he would be determined to win.”

The win marked the culmination of Mr Walsh’s lifelong dream to own a champion racehorse.

“We worked so hard for this, did so much research. It was our ultimate dream. If you have a dream of ambition, just go for it,” Mr Walsh said.

Authentic’s next major race is the Breeders Cup at Kentucky in November.