Gronkowski chasing Warrnambool May Carnival glory for second straight year

Managing owner Anthony Mithen hopes NFL great Rob Gronkowski will tune in to see his equine namesake’s bid for another Warrnambool May Carnival triumph on Tuesday.

Gronkowski will shoot for a Warrnambool May Carnival win for the second year in a row on Tuesday. Picture: Racing Photos

A routine Benchmark 70 contest at Warrnambool could have one US sporting great tuning in with great interest.

Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski could have computer on in the early hours of Tuesday morning to see his equine namesake competed in the Langley’s Accommodation Handicap (1200m).

Gronkowski the horse met his human namesake when the New England Patriots legend was in Melbourne for February’s Blue Diamond Stakes meeting at Caulfield.

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The equine Gronkowski’s managing owner Anthony Mithen said ‘the Gronk’ was delighted with Australian racing’s salute to him.

“Gronk was thrilled to have a horse in Australia named after him and said he would follow him and have a bet on him when he could,” Mithen said.

“I wonder what time the race at Warrnambool will be on in the States.”

NFL Legend Rob Gronkowski (right) and managing owner Anthony Mithen (left) with Gronkowski at the Blue Diamond Stakes meeting in February. Picture: Vince Caligiuri / Getty Images

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The Clayton Douglas-trained Gronkowski did the job for punters on the opening day of last year’s Warrnambool Carnival when landing some good bets in a Benchmark 64 race.

Gronkowski has not won since but has finished second four times but bookmakers have the gelding favourite to end his winless run on his return to Warrnambool.

Mithen said Gronkowski had spent time enjoying life at his Rosemont Stud property near Geelong, leaving the five-year-old in good condition to return to racing at Warrnambool.

It's a Gronk romp 🏈

Gronkowski takes out the final race of the @wboolracingclub Carnival for @c_douglasracing & @nashhot 👌@RosemontStudpic.twitter.com/yyyDCKhZ69

— Racing.com (@Racing) May 2, 2024

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“He’s an old gelding and we cuddle him up when he needs a spell,” Mithen said.

“Clayton gives it to him and he’s a tough old gelding that needs a bit of work.

“Whether he’s ready to win first-up, I’m not sure, but he’s going well and Clayton will have him in good order.”

Star jockey Blake Shinn will ride Gronkowski at Warrnambool.

Originally published as Gronkowski chasing Warrnambool May Carnival glory for second straight year