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The retirement clock is ticking for record breaking bush champion Fab’s Cowboy who heads to Moranbah in Central Queensland on Saturday.
Fab's Cowboy set tongues wagging last start when the bush marvel grabbed a slice of history when he scored his 52nd win at his 150th start at Mount Isa on March 9.
The win eclipsed the previous Australian winning record which belonged to Walk Cool, who won 51 races in Central Queensland from 1988 to 1995.
Fab's Cowboy's trainer Bevan "Billy" Johnson, wasn't at the track that day, preferring to saddle eight runners at Barcaldine.
However, Johnson will be track side at Moranbah with another big team of eight starters with Fab's Cowboy and Ancient Echoes clashing in the Open Handicap over 1000 metres.
Fab's Cowboy is still racing as good as ever despite being a 12-year-old and will be aiming for a hat-trick of wins following his past two dirt track wins at Mount Isa.
Fab's Cowboy's career almost never started when he defied death at birth from dehydration during a 52-degree heatwave.
He was broken in by part-owner Paul Currin who races Fab's Cowboy with his cousin Elizabeth Currin.
Fab's Cowboy was the last horse bred by Elizabeth's father Fabian before he passed away.
"He was nearly cooked the day he was born it was so hot and dry," Paul said.
"Apart from that he's had no real problems racing and touch wood, he's had no injuries.
"But, he's never liked hard tracks for some reason that's why he's raced mostly on sand and dirt tracks."
Fab's Cowboy has travelled more kilometres than any current horse in training earning more than $424,000 in prize money.
Paul is hopeful Fab's Cowboy can notch up more wins before his impending retirement at the end of the season.
Australia has a mandatory retirement age of 13 for racehorses.
"I don't know much about his opposition and I'm a little worried this might be a shade short for him," Paul said.
"But, he looks to be back to his best as 12 months ago he wasn't finishing off his races for some reason.
"He ran about eight seconds at one stage of his career and got to the point where he wouldn't kick away as he does now."
Paul has pencilled in Fab's Cowboy's swansong for Longreach on July 27.
"It's the last Saturday he can race before he has to retire," Paul said.
"He's had his time and I suppose there's a reason why horses have to retire before they turn 13."
Rookie four kilogram-claiming apprentice Mel Campbell has four rides at Moranbah and Fab's Cowboy could be her first winner.
