Pintoff remains unbeaten for new trainer in Bel Esprit Stakes

A horse that was finally diagnosed as being allergic to hay has given trainer Carly Cook her biggest success in racing.

One-time stakes winner Pintoff upset the more highly fancied sprinters in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1000m) on Saturday in a shock result for punters.

Ridden by John Allen, Pintoff ($26) scored by a short neck from Starry Legend ($17) with the $1.60 favourite Katsu a nose away third.

When prepared at Ballarat by Richard Cully, Pintoff won the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in August 2021, before losing his form.

Breeder and co-owner Peter Sanders said Pintoff had been retired before it was suggested the gelding be given another try and was sent to Cook at Drysdale to be trained on the beach.

It was after the shift to Cook that it was discovered Pintoff was allergic to hay and pollens.

“A couple of lung washes found that out,” Sandars said.

“I just thought that Carly is down at Drysdale and he needed the beach.”

Cook said she has devised a plan to keep Pintoff away from dust and the pollens associated with hay.

“We keep everything damp. He goes in the paddock during the day and is in a box at night,” Cook said.

“The bedding is basically pieces of cardboard.”

Cook started her training career in the Northern Territory before moving to Drysdale to set up a small stable while also completing an apprenticeship in hairdressing.

Now Cook combines both, training horses in the morning, working at the hairdressing salon during the day before returning to feed the horses of an afternoon.

Pintoff is now unbeaten in two runs for Cook having won at Sandown on May 6 with apprentice Will Price in the saddle.

Cook said it had been a devastating week for Price who lost his mother Belinda after a battle with pancreatic cancer earlier in the week.

“I’m very happy with Pintoff. I can’t believe it,” Cook said.

“We tick every box with him. We take him to the beach, go to the pony club with him, gallop days are on the grass.

“It shows we’re doing everything right with him.

“I can’t thank Pete enough and for Will Price, the last week has been quite devastating for him.”