The ride on Ka Ying Rising just demonstrated why Purton is one of the greats. He identified a suicidal tempo quickly (as the best do) & went to plan B but it was simply the barrier that beat him as every jockey then dictated from their easier draw. Easier draw & he wins

It’s been a big 24hrs with Headwall making us all so proud when showing his typical determination & ability to rise to the occasion when running 4th in the Everest beaten just 0.7L. What most people don’t know is shortly before I won on him in his first start, I had told my family I was preparing to retire from riding then this horse gave me the feeling he could do something special and being owned by a family that were so loyal to me, I knew he could give me some memories that would last forever. After his first handful of starts, I had told them he had Everest potential but he had a lot to learn and that was my long term goal for the horse. This was the one thing that annoyed me the most about the forced retirement as I felt I had left a promise to the owners behind and the only way I could feel content with having a career taken from me was to help get him into the race any way I could. Spending the day with the owners and seeing that dream fulfilled and how much it meant to them made the walk out of the racecourse feel like I was finally retiring on my terms and walking away from something that was not only a job but my identity for 20 years.. I can’t wait for what is next

Headwall… 3/4 of a length off the best G1 1200m race in the world. What a horse

It’s hard to describe the emotions around the Everest tomorrow as Headwall looks to fulfil a dream that the owners & I had 4 years ago. A lot has happened in those 4 years and that includes losing part owner, Marie to MND. Despite battling the horrible disease, she came to the races and supported both the horse and I with a smile regardless of the result. Seeing this has always stuck with me and her fight was something I thought of during my recovery. I would have loved nothing more than to deliver the dream by riding him & the forced retirement has never hurt more but it’s more than just a race and he’s more than just a horse to me as he is a memory of an incredible woman, a loyal family who supported me and a career I loved. Bring on the Everest

A fantastic story on an emotional roller coaster that this fantastic horse has taken us on

I’m thinking heavy 9 to start (more rain coming) heavy 8 by the first race but officials will be desperate for it to come up a soft 7

It’s exciting to wake up and see the rain as it not only opens the Everest up but it improves Headwalls chances. He’s the forgotten horse but is unbeaten on the heavy ground, drawn perfectly & gets an Everest master on top. His 1200m form is impeccable also

Cue to experts saying Nolan should have chased Land Legend

V’landys should make item number one keeping Mark Nawaqanitawase in the NRL. Unbelievable

Headwall securing a slot in The Everest is something I promised the owners years ago and now he will get his shot this year! Get behind him as he races in memory of a very special woman who fought MND for years & would be over the moon knowing he made it

Love the “if you’re rough with them” Do we expect a field of 500kg+ horses travelling at 60kmh to be gentle as they travel over them? It only takes one to rip it out then the horse following to step in the hole left and you could have a broken leg. I’ll back the jocks in

A highlight seeing Headwall back It brings mixed emotions as I put a lot of work into him but the owners have been like family for about 15 years & even sat by my bed while I was in hospital. He also races in the memory of a special woman who we lost to MND. Fingers crossed

He’s back! 12 months off and Headwall runs a race fitting for an Everest runner. Honest and runs on all ground.. How could you not pick him

I’d go through all of the pain, stress and recovery again if it means I get to make you smile and say love you daddy. Days like these are all I need

I’m heading out to Randwick today and it will be nice to be on the other side of the fence. I’ve got a couple bets in play but will no doubt add some more and I want to know what everyone best bet of the day is.

That has to be the most impressive trial I’ve seen from Headwall. 33.41 the last 600m and Zac couldn’t hold him any slower. Could be a big spring for the team