A HOBBY trainer and horse bought on a whim from an ad in a magazine teamed up to win the $100,000 Simons Design Centre Devonport Cup at SpreytonPark today.
Red Eagle, a lightly raced five-year-old gelding that was purchased for an undisclosed sum from an advertisement in a thoroughbred breeding magazine a year ago has taken his trainer Shirley Berger on an incredible ride that culminated in victory in the North-WestCoast’s premier event.
Red Eagle went into the race with only three wins to his credit from 16 starts but one of those wins was on the synthetic surface at Devonport over the cup distance of 1880 metres and it was run n track record time (1.56.56).
Berger gave the responsibility of riding he table star to Turkish apprentice Bulent Muhcu who took the initiative as soon as they jumped by urging the five-year-old to make the most of an inside barrier and lead the field to the first turn.
With the interstate invader Langridge Street parked at hi girth a solid pace was ensured and when nothing else had applied pressure until nearing the home turn Muhcu waited until straightening for the long run up the home straight to ask his charge for the supreme effort.
Red Eagle held out all challenges and hit the line safely clear of former Victorian Gotta Dream that was having his first start in the state for Spreyton trainer Adam Trinder with the well-backed Royal Rapture a closing third.
The race favourite Jakcorijim that had won the two major lead-up races to the Devonport Cup, left his run too late and finished fourth.
Berger is a housewife and full-time fire fighter who has an affinity with horses and she only entered Red Eagle in the race with the hope of maybe filling a place.
In May 2007, Berger completed the necessary qualifications and assessments to become the first female career Leading Firefighter in the Tasmania Fire Service, making her a trailblazer for women in this male dominated profession.
As a Leading Firefighter she is also qualified as a Station Officer and is able to act in this position as required.
Berger grew up as one of 12 children on a farm in West Ridgley and was educated at Ridgley Primary School and Parklands High.
After a period of travel, and working at various jobs Shirley settled on the North-West Coast and married Ueli.
She has three children, two girls, Melanie and Holly and a son Toby.
While the children were growing up Berger worked from home and ran a successful hydroponic strawberry farm along with a piggery and small farming operation.
Berger undertook university studies as a mature age student and started work with the Education Department. Looking for a career change, in 2001, she joined the Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) as a recruit firefighter. After her initial training she spent time at the Launceston Fire Brigade, before transferring to the North-West Coast in 2002.
As the first permanent female firefighter on the North-West Coast, there were significant challenges for her and she had to work hard to become accepted in a stereotypical male domain.
In 2001, her leadership skills were already evident and she was selected in the contingent that went to assist fighting the devastating Christmas fires in New South Wales.
Listen to what trainer Shirley Berger and apprentice Bulent Muhcu had to say after the win.