IT will be a “Bush Christmas” on December 25 when the definitive story of one of Australia’s much-loved country gallopers airs for the first time on the Sky Thoroughbred Channel.
In a Christmas present for horse racing fans, the much-anticipated ‘Fab’s Cowboy: The Final Rodeo’ tells the remarkable rags-to-riches story of the country cult hero who lit up the Queensland bush with a state record 54 wins and over $400,000 in prize money.
The outback racing legend almost died at birth in the sweltering heat of the drought-ravaged Queensland bush before going on to become known as the “bush Phar Lap” with a bevy of adoring fans.
He retired at Longreach in July, just days before his 13th birthday.
Sky Racing presenter Michael Charge, who played a major role in the production, said he remained in awe of the equine hero.
“Fab’s Cowboy truly was the ‘Phar Lap’ of the bush, a legend of racing who thought nothing of travelling the equivalent of over eight trips around the world to chalk up victory after victory on many outback Queensland racetrack,” Charge said.
Charge said the 60-minute program brought a sometimes forgotten country feel to the “Sport of Kings”.
“The Fab’s Cowboy story epitomises what is bush racing – a story of survival from birth in a once in generation drought to Country Cup after Country Cup throughout Queensland,” Charge said.
“He had an affinity with the outback from the day he was born to the day he ran his last race.
“It was an absolute honour to be able to help paint the Fab’s Cowboy picture for Sky Racing and everyone involved.”
The first airing of the show will be at 12pm on the Sky Thoroughbred Channel on December 25.