Perry Cross wins race with the horse that raised money for his Spinal Research Foundation

A horse formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse helped Perry Cross raise thousands for his Spinal Research Foundation three months ago and now he has celebrated his first win with it.

A HORSE formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse helped Perry Cross raise thousands for his foundation three months ago and now he has celebrated his first win with it.

The well-known Gold Coast figure and quadriplegic, who has inspired many through the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, was trackside to watch Chief Command win the Class 1 Plate (2200m) at Aquis Park.

“I’m blown away, speechless,” Cross said.

“It’s the first time I have had a horse win. I have dabbled in it a long time ago but never did any good.”

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Cross bought into Chief Command, now trained by Gold Coast’s David Scanes, and 10 per cent of the shares in the three-year-old gelding were sold as part of the Foundation’s fundraising dinner at the Star Casino in March.

Brothers Chad and Kim Lemming won the auction for $7000 and have now won a portion of it back after Chief Command’s win pocketing $11,650 for the connections.

The Foundation has a lab at Griffith University where 40 people are working to try and find a cure for paralysis.

Gold Coast race meeting at Aquis Park. Photo of race number 3, number 8, CHIEF COMMAND. Jockey is Alannah Fancourt. Trainer is David Scanes. Part owner Perry Cross was very happy with the win. Photo by Richard Gosling

Cross, 44, has been working to find a cure since becoming a quadriplegic at the age of 19 after suffering a spinal injury while playing rugby union shortly after graduating from The Southport School.

Scanes said Cross was a regular visitor to the stables and shared a close bond with Chief Command, making the win one of the most cherished of his career.

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“It’s fantastic, I couldn’t be happier,” Scanes said.

“He is a lovely horse and so easy to train. He does everything right and is still learning how to race.

Gold Coast race meeting at Aquis Park. Photo of race number 3, number 8, CHIEF COMMAND. Jockey is Alannah Fancourt. Trainer is David Scanes. Photo by Richard Gosling

“He will be better as a four and five-year-old.

“I think, over a longer journey, in time he can get to a Saturday meeting in town.”

Scanes said he would assess how Chief Command recovers from the run on the heavy rain-affected track before deciding his next course of action.

“We may go to a race in a fortnight over the border because he is a BOBS bonus horse and that runs out after three,” Scanes said.

“I won’t risk the horse at all. If he isn’t ready I’ll either send him to the paddock for a little break or look at something else.”