There is no substitute for winning, that surge of adrenalin, an experience one never tires of as your horse reaches the winning post.

Racing is a great leveller, if you can afford it enjoy it, there are no barriers, owners are readily accepted.

VRC committeeman, Neil Wilson, and his cousin, Darrin, have experienced all those thrills, and the nail biting finishes with the recently retired Chasm.

Fortunately the lovable chestnut gelding has a life thereafter, well away from the racetrack, a lush paddock at Pakenham and a warm rug to keep out the winter chills.

Not a lot really, just a few of the little luxuries he deserves for the pleasures he gave those that raced him.

Chasm won nine races and he won them the hard way, coming from last most times, he had to get the breaks to win.

He generally competed at the top level, and whilst he didn’t always win, he gave of his best at all times.

With touch of luck he most likely would have included a Group 1 to his resume, instead of finishing third to Wall Street and Dao Dao two years ago.

Chasm at headquarters