Sunday’s meeting at Donald delivered a particularly rewarding result for owner-breeder Bill Couch, with his home-bred galloper Jotopeli breaking through for a well-deserved victory. Bill raced the mare Miss Shrimpton and when she retired from racing, Bill decided to breed with her. Jotopeli is the second foal to race out of this mare but the first winner.
There’s a special satisfaction that comes with breeding, raising, and then watching a horse carry your colours to the winning post, and Jotopeli’s triumph was exactly that. From the paddock to the racetrack, this win was the culmination of patience, planning, and belief there was a win to be had.
Jotopeli took until start 9 to break his maiden status but he had come agonisingly close on a few occasions prior. From his nine starts he hasn’t finished any further back than 5th and has placed on four other occasions.
Bill Couch has long been a passionate supporter of Wilde Racing, and to see one of his own home-breds salute was a proud moment. Jotopeli showed grit and determination in the run, he was knocked down at a vital stage, but he was able to pick himself up, change course and get his head down when it counted.
The Donald victory was more than just another win—it was a celebration of the journey from foal to racehorse, and a reminder of the unique joy that comes when the breeder and owner are one and the same.
Congratulations to Bill Couch on this satisfying success with Jotopeli
