Chairman’s Choice has become a true stable stalwart for Andrew Dale Racing since joining the team in 2021.
Now a 10-year-old with 100 starts to his name, the durable gelding boasts 10 wins, 25 placings and nearly $250,000 in prizemoney, a model of consistency season after season.
Purchased for just $7,500 via Inglis Digital, the son of Reliable Man has delivered seven wins for the stable, an outstanding return and a testament to his toughness and heart.
“Frazer (Dale) found him for $7,500 on Inglis Digital and he’s proved to be a great buy,” Dale said.
“He was a great horse for us when we were establishing ourselves at Wangaratta because he was always competitive.”
Chairman’s Choice has enjoyed a strong association with jockey Jake Duffy, who has partnered him to four wins and three placings.
“To this day Jake is one of the only jockeys who can really get him to travel,” Dale said.
“He’s a hard-going horse, but there’s something Jake does that gets him to settle and roll along.
“I remember him winning at Wodonga by four or five lengths, Jake slipped a bit of leather and Chairman’s Choice just took off. It was great to watch.”
Yet among his many highlights, Chairman’s Choice’s victory in the Chisolm Plate at Towong holds special significance, delivering Brittany Button her first career win.
“One of my favourite moments of my training career was watching Brittany win her first race on him,” Dale said.
“It was her first day riding. She’d had a couple of earlier rides on Gerald Egan’s horses and Chairman’s Choice was her last ride of the day.
“Her family travelled to Towong in a minibus so they could all be there to see it. It was incredibly special and something I’ll always remember.
“Brittany has now ridden more than 50 winners and is a jockey on the rise, so it’s nice that Chairman’s Choice helped kick-start her career.”
While the striking grey is now in the twilight of his racing days, Dale believes he still has more to offer.
“He much prefers softer tracks, so we’ll race him sparingly and aim toward the winter months,” he said.
“He trains at the farm and still has a real zest for his work. He’s well looked after and we’ll keep him going until he tells us otherwise.
“We’re hopeful he can add another win or two before it’s all said and done.”
Words: Wilson Mack
Image: Racing.com
