Gunsmoke and Davies smoke competition at Kulin Bush Races coming home with top trophy

Harvey’s own Mia Davies and her horse Boy — running under the name Gunsmoke — came out on top at the Kulin Bush Races late last month with the pair showing off their skills at the regional racetrack.

Ms Davies said it was the first time her and Boy had competed in the Kulin races, though they had success at the Quindanning Races earlier this year.

The Kulin Bush Races ran from September 27 to September 29, with all riders amateurs — professionals licensed in any capacity are not permitted to participate.

For Boy, however, there is a history of victory after his career as a racehorse, with his past owner taking him to the bush races after retirement where he dominated in the past.

Now with Ms Davies, she wanted to keep doing what Boy was good at and clearly loved.

“He’s a very athletic horse, so I think most of it is his doing, and I just kinda of hang on,” she said.

“I just have to trust him, and he does look after me, so it does just get to a point where you have to let them go and be like, ‘it’s up to you now’.’

“We did lots of fitness training with him, to make sure he didn’t break down or hurt himself, and just to give him the best shot we could have.

“I think it was all definitely worth it. He’s such a cool dude.”

Ms Davies said when she first arrived at the track she was full on nerves, but as the event grew closer, the nerves subsided as her and Boy, now 14 years old, both prepared to race.

“Once I was there I was like it’s game time and just performed,” she said.

“It was an adrenaline rush, that’s for sure.”

Ms Davies said once he turns 16 he will no longer be able to race, with the pair looking to have one more race at Kulin before his retirement.