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Legendary local trainer Albert Stapleford has only one horse in work at his Gosford stables but is more than happy with the lesser workload in the twilight of his 70-year racing career.
When 89-year-old Stapleford was asked how long he had held a training licence he had to get out the calculator.
"Gee, I'd have to work that out!" Stapleford said. "I've just turned 89 and I got my licence when I was 18, so near enough to 70 years."
At the height of his training career Stapleford had up to 25 horses in work at Gosford. He is now blind in one eye and has lost his driver's licence, making travelling horses difficult.
"When they take your driver's licence off you they cut you off at the knees," Stapleford said.
"I've had my twists and turns but have been fortunate enough to have a great career. I've had two runners at Moonee Valley for two winners which is not a bad strike rate."
Despite having a small team with limited runners Stapleford can still boast an extraordinary strike rate. From his last 50 starters, spanning almost three years, he has trained six winners and 14 placings.
Stapleford saddles up Dia Vernon in the Peter Norrgard Memorial Class 1 at Gosford on Tuesday but readily admits he is not as good as some of the horses on his honour roll over the decades.
"We bought him at the sales for only $14,000," Stapleford said.
"Compared to my old mate Magic Albert, a $120,000 yearling, this guy was a cheapie.
"You only get what you pay for. You can't have a Mercedes if you only have the money for a Volkswagen."
Being by All American and out of the mare Sleight Of Hand, Dia Vernon is named after a Canadian magician who was famous for his card tricks and close-up magic.
In-form hoop and mother of two Jenny Duggan, fresh from a Rosehill double last Saturday, steers on Tuesday and Stapleford is rapt to have her on board.
"I've been trying to give Jenny a ride for a while but she's been a bit hard to get," Stapleford lamented.
"She's been riding better than ever since she came back to racing."