Man of few words McGuire breaks silence

It’s easier to get a man with no arms to hand you money than it is to get words out of Eddie McGuire.

When it comes to interviewing, McGuire’s anything but “an easy get.” However, there are exceptions to every rule — and last Thursday was one of them.

The laconic Geraldton horse trainer “opened up” and said something. A day earlier, two of his team had opened up and said plenty.

McGuire took A Slippery Customer and Golden Acres out of their stalls last Wednesday, loaded them on to a float and headed south. Twelve hours later, he arrived home — with two Ascot winners at odds of 51/1 and 31/1.

“Is that you, was wondering who the number was, waddha want?” were McGuire’s welcoming words early yesterday.

Then he warmed — and gave it to the “city slickers”.

“Of course I thought ‘Slippery’ and ‘China’ were chances, wouldn’t have taken ’em down otherwise,” he said.

“Those city blokes spruik off and talk up their horses ... but some of ours are as good as theirs. It was great to go down and kick some butt. It was a good result for Geraldton horses.

“I was particularly happy with ‘China’ (Golden Acres) winning. The little fella has been knocked from pillar to post down there, flies home and gets beat a couple of lengths. If he gets a start, he’ll go back down for the provincial championship in a few weeks.

“As for Slippery, well he’s a cool dude that one. He went good.

“I was happy for my horses, but for me it was just another day at the office. Now you’re not writing this down, are ya? Well, don’t print it.”

Apologies Eddie, but you’ve been a slippery customer — in the nicest way — and a silent one for too long.