The racehorse with the big heart

No doubt most horse trainers will tell you their horse is special.

But Allan Morley isn't just any trainer, and thinks Blue Breeze - set to run in today's Auckland Cup at Ellerslie - isn't just any horse.

As the youngest in a family of 12, Mr Morley has been around horses all his life and is a saddler and farrier by trade. He has an impressive background in show jumping, riding alongside some of the greats, including Mark Todd.

Now based at Byerley Park in Auckland, he has been training five-year-old Blue Breeze since infancy.

Children are drawn to Blue Breeze.
Children are drawn to Blue Breeze. Photo credit: Supplied

"He came to me as a baby, but wasn't ready for sale, so he has stayed with me ever since," he said.

The horse showed his kind nature from the start.

"He has such a huge heart, everyone seems to love him. He just loves people, and people seem to be attracted to him - everyone always wanting photos."

The horse is named after the well-known Ponsonby restaurant of the same name, and is owned by a syndicate including Blue Breeze Inn restaurant owner Mark Wallbank and Red Elephant and Clevedon Pub owner Wayne Devon.

Blue Breeze and a couple of his many fans.
Blue Breeze and a couple of his many fans. Photo credit: Supplied

Having trained a number of successful horses in the past, including Coretta (who won two back to back races at Ellerslie), Allan Morelly hopes that Blue Breeze will place this weekend - but ultimately hopes he runs a good race and does his best.

"He has the same chance as everyone else, we just make sure he is ready and happy."

Gentle and friendly off the track, Blue Breeze will line up in the Auckland Cup.
Gentle and friendly off the track, Blue Breeze will line up in the Auckland Cup. Photo credit: Supplied

Blue Breeze runs in the Auckland Cup at 5:30pm.

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