Jimmy The Bear’s impressive winter streak came to an unexpected end at Caulfield on Saturday, with a mix of tactical changes and a post-race health concern contributing to the popular galloper’s narrow defeat.
Sent out as the $1.40 favourite, Jimmy The Bear looked poised to claim a fourth consecutive win in the VOBIS Gold Stayers (2400m). But in his first attempt at the distance, he fell just short, edged out by a determined Dictionary in the final strides.
Jockey Ben Melham, who partnered the gelding, was quick to highlight two key factors he believed affected the performance — the step up to 2400 metres and the decision to remove blinkers for the race.
“They took the blinkers off him in the attempt for him to run the mile and a half, and he was very complacent the whole way around,” Melham said post-race. “That may have made the difference, and he may not quite run the trip — so maybe a combination of a few things.
“I thought he ran well, but he never felt like he was going to win by far.”
Melham later advised stewards that blinkers should be re-applied for Jimmy The Bear’s next start.
Racing Victoria stewards also noted a possible physical issue, reporting that a post-race endoscopy revealed signs of internal exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage, which may have impacted the gelding’s performance.
Despite the defeat, the performance was far from disappointing — but the margin and manner of the loss raised questions about the horse’s suitability for the extended distance and race-day gear changes.
