SEVEN YEARS ON, RACING MUM CHASING AN OVERDUE WIN

THE seven-year anniversary of On Her Word’s city triumph has just passed.

And whilst the 10-year-old mare hasn’t won since – she has been placed on 10 occasions – her Newcastle trainer Bec Dunn hasn’t lost hope of securing a long overdue victory before she is finally “retired” from the racetrack, and goes back to the breeding barn.

On Her Word is already a Mum, having produced two foals.

Perhaps that long overdue victory might come tomorrow in a Midway Class 1 Handicap (1000m) at Gosford; a track where she performs well.

“I wouldn’t keep On Her Word going if I didn’t think we could win another race with her,” Dunn said this morning.

“But she really thrives being in work, and looks a picture.”

Dunn won a $50,000 ($22,000 to the winner) Maiden Plate, 1100m with On Her Word as a three-year-old at Warwick Farm on June 12, 2019.

Pretty tidy indeed considering she paid only $500 for the daughter of Benfica at Scone.

That was only her third career start after being runner-up twice at Gosford – and she has been placed eight times since.

On Her Word resumed for her 26^th start at Wyong on June 7 when seventh to Indecisive in a Midway Class 1 Handicap (1000m).

“I was rapt with her run,” Dunn said.

“She hadn’t raced since late December, had not trialled and was beaten less than four lengths.

“Winona Costin rode On Her Word for the first time, and was happy to stick with her.

“The mare is feeling good, and whilst she hasn’t won at Gosford, her seven starts there have produced six placings.”

Though Dunn concedes this will probably be On Her Word’s last racing preparation, she is doing everything possible to win another race with her before calling a halt.

She has opted to put a tail chain on the mare for her Gosford assignment.

“I noticed after she ran at Wyong the other day that she was sucking air behind,” Dunn explained.

“Backing her up 10 days after her first run back also should help.”

Dunn has high hopes for On Her Word’s two-year-old colt by Outreach.

He races as Words Of Fire, and had two starts earlier in the year when fourth at Dubbo in March, and then the $200,000 Wellington Boot (1100m) in April.

“I love him,” Dunn said. “He showed good pace to lead at Wellington, and the trips away were good experience for him.

“Words Of Fire was spelled after the Wellington Boot, and is now back in work.”

Stablemate Inferencia, who gave her trainer a massive thrill by winning a Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m) at the Golden Slipper Stakes meeting at Rosehill Gardens in March last year, is spelling.

Dunn has won six races with homebred Inferencia, and said she had a few issues with the mare when last in work.

“I feel we have got those sorted, and will give her another try after the break,” she said.

“Her progress when she comes back will determine if that is her last preparation.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JUNE 17, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS