Jungle Edge gives Cranbourne football champion Marc Holt plenty to cheer about
Cranbourne champion Marc Holt reveals his footy future and talks about what it’s like being a part owner of one of Australia’s best wet trackers Jungle Edge.
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A racehorse that revels in the mud has helped fill the sporting void left by the cancellation of the local football season for Cranbourne champion Marc Holt.
Holt, who has kicked over 1200 goals, and his brother Leigh own a five per cent share in star sprinter Jungle Edge, which won at Caulfield on Saturday to take its career prizemoney to $1.7 million.
“It’s been a good ride,’’ Holt said, with a hint of understatement.
But it hasn’t all gone to plan for big Holty.
Lockdown restrictions prevent owners from attending the races, meaning he’s had to cheer on Jungle from his lounge room.
“We finally don’t have a footy season and we’re not allowed to go to the track. I’m not happy,’’ he said.
Jungle Edge is one of Australia’s best wet trackers.
When the rain tumbled down on Saturday, Holt and his brother loaded up on the punt.
“We both walked away with a fair haul,’’ Holt admitted.
Holt quipped his mates have “won millions’’ backing Jungle Edge during his career, which includes 19 wins and 24 placings.
“Pubs have erupted that many times,’’ Holt said.
“I’ve been in pubs with 30 or 40 blokes watching the race and you can’t beat that side of it.’’
Like many suburban footballers, Holt says he’s missing playing terribly.
After a season with Karingal in the Mornington Peninsula league, he returned home to Cranbourne this season to finish his career.
So, will the champ saddle up in 2021?
“I prepared myself for one last crack this year,’’ he said.
“I’m not very good at being told what to do so I don’t want to get forced into retirement by this (pandemic) so I might play a couple of games next year, if they’ll have me.’’
Holt, who turns 35 in a couple of weeks, says he’d like to play on Cranbourne’s new home ground next year.
“I might try and get that first game at the new ground and then manage my way through,’’ he said.
“It all depends on the players they retain and what they want to do. If I don’t fit into it, I don’t fit into it. But I’m pretty sure if I want to play they’ll let me.’’
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