Home

Pinjarra winner Etomorp overcomes club foot to deliver connections joy after death of part-owner

Headshot of Jay Rooney
Jay RooneyThe West Australian
Etomorp wins at Pinjarra for jockey Shaun O'Donnell
Camera IconEtomorp wins at Pinjarra for jockey Shaun O'Donnell Credit: Jorja King/Jorja King / Western Racepix

Plagued by a club foot and described as “the worst-named horse in the history of racing”, Etomorp has brought some joy to the lives of his connections after the devastating loss of one of their great mates.

Paul Martin, an insurance broker and popular figure in the WA racing industry, died in a car crash in Kununurra in March at the age of 38.

He was a part-owner of several horses including Rolled Gold, who won at Pinjarra just days after his death, and Etomorp.

Carrying Martin’s racing colours, Etomorp scored an emotional and overdue victory when he stormed home to impressively win a maiden at Pinjarra last week.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“When he crossed the line, I pointed to the sky and said ‘thanks Marto’,” Etomorp’s managing part-owner Ian Russell said.

The Game AFL 2024

“Marto was a real good mate of mine and we had some great times together.

“He said Etomorp was the worst-named horse in the history of racing.

“All the owners went to the Mt Henry Hotel and put names in a hat and pulled the worst one out.

“It is promote spelt backwards. His dam is Promotional.”

Etomorp has given trainer Steele Casey and his 27 owners plenty of headaches in his limited career because of his foot problems.

Connections of Etomorp celebrate his Pinjarra win
Camera IconConnections of Etomorp celebrate his Pinjarra win Credit: Jorja King/Jorja King / Western Racepix

However, the son of My Admiration showed potential with four seconds before bolting in by two lengths at his fifth career start.

“Steele and I bought the horse for $30,000 at the sales and we got Trinity and Aquinas footy boys, Wesley amateur footy boys, workmates and anyone who was keen to get involved,” Russell said.

“We’ve had plenty of problems. We’ve had to pull the pin on three preps because of his feet and this was just about his last chance.

“Steele and his partner Mollie (Clark) have done a great job and we must thank (farrier) Steve Routledge for all the work he’s done.”

Etomorp has his big syndicate of owners, which also includes Ben McAullay, the son of WA’s leading racecaller Darren, dreaming big.

“We’re all dreaming of the Perth Cup the year after next, but with his problems we’ll take what we can get,” said Russell, who has been racing gallopers for about 25 years.

“He’s going to be a stayer.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails