Bodyguard of Melbourne Cup winners returns to Gold Coast for Magic Millions

HE’S guarded some of the nation’s biggest equine sport stars, protecting prize-winning racehorses from saboteurs known to sneak into stables of favourites and dope them with “go-slow” drugs.

HE’S guarded some of the nation’s biggest equine sport stars, securing the stables of equestrian horses at the Olympics and five Melbourne Cup winners.

Now Peter Trothe is on the Gold Coast, looking to make a killing on his own horse at the Magic Millions National Sales.

Before drug testing of thoroughbreds was widespread, saboteurs were known to sneak into stables of favourites, doping them with “go-slow” drugs, or forcing gel-coated poisons down their throats, timed to take effect during high-stakes races.

Mr Trothe and his armed guards were there to make sure they didn’t succeed — but also to make sure the horses didn’t do anything to harm their own chances by falling over and hurting themselves in their boxes.

Former security guard now horse breeder, Peter Trothe, is on the Gold Coast, looking to make a killing on his own horse, Lot 2225 a Dalakhani Colt, at the Magic Millions National Sales. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The most important thing was not to disturb the horses — you don’t want to go stomping around shining a spotlight on them,” he said.

“You get to know the noises of the night.”

The Sydneysider started his security business after picking up a job as a personal bodyguard for transport magnate Sir Peter Abeles at his luxury Sydney home.

At the same time, he was working as a strapper for Bart Cummings, who noticed he wasn’t working as many horses as the other strappers because of the second job.

Handler Rob Fizsimmons with Lot 2225 a Dalakhani Colt, at the Magic Millions National Sales. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I thought he was going to give me the sack but I went in to see him and he asked if I wanted to do security on his stable,” Mr Trothe said.

“Within 18 months it was nationwide.”

Mr Trothe worked security at the very first Magic Millions sales and dreamt of returning to Bundall with a horse of his own. He hopes this grey yearling colt will go on to big things.

The colt is sired by champion Irish stallion Dalakhani, and Mr Trothe said it was four-eighths brother to City Honours, which ran second in the English and Irish group one derbies.

“He’s a really beautiful, lovely-natured horse, a really quality colt,” he said.

“He’s the deadset spitting image of Dalakhani at his age.”

The Magic Millions National Sales are on now until June 8 at the Gold Coast Turf Club.