Former galloper Devil’s Fire thriving in retirement

Mt Isa teenager Holly Bryant and former Queensland galloper Devil’s Fire have quickly become best friends.

Known these days as “Red” now that his racing days are over, nine-year-old chestnut gelding Devil’s Fire has settled in Mt Isa in racing retirement.

The son of Ferocity saw plenty of Northern NSW and the Sunshine State in his 46-start career, moving through the stables of a handful of different trainers, winning the prize on three occasions, to go with 17 other minor placings.

Following his last career race effort in late 2019, Red has transitioned into his post-racing life, which recently included winning the Mt Isa Show Junior Working Horse Class with 13-year-old Holly.

Holly’s father, Jay, detailed the growing friendship between his daughter and Red.

“She loves Red and they have a bond happening,” Jay said.

“She competed in the Isa Show, they had horse events there and she did really well competing against much more season riders.

“She does pony club with him, she is stoked to have him.”

Jay and Holly did not have much experience with Off-The-Track horses until recently, but some of their extended family were involved in eventing.

“There was no one in town doing lessons, as the people had left, and my daughter basically had no horse to ride or to ride with, so a friend of mine from work got Red and thought he would be a perfect horse for my daughter and we have gone from there,” Jay explained.

“She is a horse girl, Holly, through and through.

“Anything with horses, that is just her.”

Of Red’s three career victories, two came at Aquis Park on the Gold Coast with the other at Casino.

The Gold Coast was Devil’s Fire’s favourite track during his career, going around 12 times to run in the money on nice occasions.

“He is a lazy old horse these days but he has put a fair bit of effort in his race career and he is enjoying his retirement now,” Jay said.

“He is happy to sit back, eat and do things with Holly.

“He is enjoying the attention that Holly gives him, I think he has a pretty good life.”

According to Bryant, the Mt Isa area holds lots of camp drafting and rodeo events.