One lucky rooster
HAVING a rooster live with a horse is not the perfect match, according to the Chinese zodiac. The rooster is more compatible with an ox or a snake, with these pairings believed to deliver good luck and prosperity.
But try telling that to one-time battling Kembla horse trainer Michael Tubman.
The 62-year-old horseman is adamant his luck changed for the better the day a rooster wandered uninvited in to his stable.
The rooster, which is simply called Rooster, lobbed just in time for Tubman's talented two-year-old Chance Bye's first serious gallop.
In a matter of weeks, Chance Bye has developed into a top-grade juvenile and a winner of the $250,000 Inglis Nursery at Randwick last Saturday.
She also was the centre of a large-scale betting plunge that Tubman says has set him up for life.
"Ever since the rooster arrived, things have just turned to gold," Tubman said.
"My luck has never been better while he [the rooster] has just been a calming influence on the place - all the horses have been eating well and are really settled."
Tubman has no idea where Rooster lived previously and, quite simply, he doesn't care.
All he knows is that his feathery friend is now part of the furniture at his Kembla stables. "He is not going anywhere now," Tubman chuckled. "Why would I give up my lucky rooster? I am convinced he has brought me luck."
Tubman has been dabbling in horse training for some time. He currently has three charges in work, including Chance Bye.
A carpet layer by trade, Tubman has also chanced his arm at the greyhound caper.
He had a 10-year hiatus from thoroughbred racing after a promising galloper he prepared broke down, but with Chance Bye on track for the Golden Slipper, Tubman is glad to be back.
The impressive Randwick winner has been sent out for a short break this week and returns to the stables on Monday.
"The plan is to give her another start on January 19 in another one of those Inglis races," he said.
"From there we will look at how to get her to the Golden Slipper.
"I have never trained a two-year-old before so it is all new to me. I have been taking advice from plenty of other trainers, including Gerald Ryan, who trained her sire Snitzel. I would rather ask for advice and get it right than just do what I think is right and end up stuffing it up.
"You only get one chance with a horse like this, especially two-year-olds, so I've got to make the most of it."
You can be sure the rooster will be there for the ride.
Good luck charm...Spara the rooster at MIck Tubman's Kembla Grange stables. Picture: Tracee Lea Source: The Daily Telegraph
