Episode 410: Claire Bird

It’s fair to say that Sunline’s constant companion Claire Bird became almost as well known as the great mare herself. The petite blonde accompanied Sunline on one trip to Dubai, twice to Hong Kong and nine times to Australia. She endeared herself to racing administrators and to the media at large. When Sunline left the racing scene Claire opted for a future in Australia. She has capably filled several roles in the racing industry and media, and is currently enjoying her time on the Tony Gollan administrative team. She says she quickly put her hand up when the job became available. Claire talks of a work schedule which includes a supervisory role with Gollan’s Gold Coast Saturday runners. She acknowledges partner, former successful Kiwi trainer Shane Marr. Claire reviews the interesting jobs she’s held since settling in Australia twenty years ago- Her employers include Racing Victoria, TVN television, Nine Network, Gerry Harvey Racing Management, a horse transport company and most recently Tony Gollan Racing. She takes us back to childhood days in Palmerston North and speaks affectionately of her parents and siblings. Claire says she wasn’t attracted to normal horse pursuits like pony club or the show ring. She went straight into Malcolm Smith’s Awapuni racing stables. She talks of her tuition in riding trackwork. One of her advisers was a jockey who’d made a name for himself in Australia. The horse loving Bird talks of the only job she ever had that didn’t involve horses. Claire says her job with the Trevor McKee stable was the result of a chance golf course conversation between her stepfather and McKee’s son Steve. She recalls two stabling barns on the McKee property. Sunline was originally housed in the barn reserved for problem horses. When her ability came to light she was quickly moved across the road. Claire formed an attachment to the quirky mare. Claire talks of the great mare’s fashionable pedigree and her early career at home. She recalls Sunline’s very first trip to Sydney and the impact the filly had on crowds and media.  Claire talks of the special wins that still reduce her to tears. She speaks highly of jockey Greg Childs who won 11 Gr 1’s on the champion. She recalls the bittersweet experience of Sunline’s trip to the United Arab Emirates for the Duty Free Stakes. Immediately after the race she was deeply upset by persistent rumours of Sunline’s sale to new owners. Much has been written about Sunline’s unpleasant disposition. Claire talks of her experiences with the strong willed thoroughbred.  Claire talks of the numerous honours accorded the remarkable Kiwi mare. She looks back on the occasion of Sunline’s racetrack swansong in the 2002 Cox Plate. She promised family and friends she would refrain from crying. Claire talks of Sunline’s unspectacular stud career, and her battle with laminitis. She recalls the fateful phone call from Steve McKee bringing her the news she’d been dreading. This isn’t the first time Claire has been asked to compare her champion with the great Aussie mare Winx.  A wonderful trip down memory lane with the lady who knew Sunline better than anyone else.