Dulcify

Bay gelding (1975 - 1979), Decies – Sweet Candy - Inducted in 2014

The winner of 10 of his 21 starts, New Zealand-bred Dulcify was rated by Colin Hayes as the greatest horse he ever trained.

Biography

TRAINER: Colin Hayes

OWNERS: -

RACE RECORD/STAKE MONEY: 21 starts: 10 wins/$568,775

About

Described as a ‘parrot-mouthed colt’ as a juvenile, Dulcify was foaled in New Zealand in 1975 and bought for a modest sum by Hayes. He was gelded early and put out into the spelling paddock until he turned three.

As a three-year-old in 1978 he made an immediate mark by winning his first race at Morphettville at odds of 300-1, followed by a second placing in the SAJC Derby. Then followed a brilliant season in which he won the Victoria Derby and the AJC Derby, the STC Rosehill Guineas, and the VRC Australian Cup in which he defeated reigning champions of the turf in Manikato and Family of Man.

Returning as a four-year-old in 1979 he won the Craiglee Stakes and Turnbull Stakes, and defeated a particularly strong field in the W.S. Cox Plate. A week later he also took out the Mackinnon Stakes.

Starting a 3-1 favourite in the 1979 Melbourne Cup, tragedy struck when Dulcify was galloped upon during the race and broke his pelvis, having to be put down.

Image Source: Bradley Photographers