Luck deserted Dandruff as a young horse when multiple infections racked his facial structure, requiring surgeries just to save his life.<\/p>\n
Racing wasn’t a thought as vets initially thought their efforts to keep Dandruff alive would fail.<\/p>\n
\u2022 PUNT LIKE A PRO<\/a>: Become a Racenet iQ member<\/a> and get expert tips \u2013 with fully transparent return on investment statistics \u2013 from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips<\/a> section. SUBSCRIBE NOW<\/a>!<\/b><\/p>\n “He should be dead, this horse,” Lake said.<\/p>\n “He’s had two sinus operations, and he’s got a big chunk of bone missing out of his face.<\/p>\n “It was all infected and he had a bone infection as well.<\/p>\n “He also had a bit of bone sticking out.<\/p>\n “After a couple of operations, the vet advised the owners to put him down.”<\/p>\n Thankfully Lake and Dandruff’s owners didn’t immediately take veterinary advice.<\/p>\n Instead, they decided to let the gelding relax in a paddock while they worked out what to do with the son of Written Tycoon.<\/p>\n However, Mother Nature had a surprise in store for Lake a few months later.<\/p>\n Few thought Dandruff would live long enough to post an amazing maiden win at Swan Hill in April 2024. Picture: Racing Photos<\/p>\n \u2022 Richard Callander: Yes, the Brits do racing well \u2026 but not as well as us<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n “Anyway, we just went back to nature, and he went out into the paddock with some young horses for about six months and we just forgot about him,” Lake said.<\/p>\n “We went out to the farm when the six months was done, and he trotted up to us in the paddock and his face had healed.<\/p>\n “It had all healed over. Sometimes time just heals everything.<\/p>\n “We brought him back into work and he’s been a great money-spinner ever since.”<\/p>\n Dandruff showed staying ability in his first few starts before achieving what was thought impossible a year earlier when he posted his maiden win in emphatic fashion at Swan Hill in April last year.<\/p>\n \u201cDandruff is head & shoulders above its opposition.\u201d <\/p>\n Poetry from Adam O to start the day ????\ufe0f @TLakeRacing<\/a>@chookahope<\/a>pic.twitter.com\/r151ajTQdJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Racing.com (@Racing) April 9, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u2022 Yulong chases quick return on $1.45m investment in Grinzinger Belle<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n While not being a world beater, Dandruff posted a second win at Swan Hill<\/a> last year and victories at Ararat<\/a> and Albury<\/a> this year.<\/p>\n “He’s just been an honest old horse and a few more of them would be great for any stable,” Lake said.<\/p>\n “He’s earned everything he’s got.<\/p>\n “He’s tough and he’s brave.”<\/p>\n Dandruff has survived multiple surgeries to earn more than $100,000 in prizemoney for his owners. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.<\/p>\n \u2022 Gilbert Gardiner’s Blackbook: Horses to follow, forgive from Flemington on Saturday<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Lake said Dandruff has attracted his own following as he travels from his Bendigo<\/a> base to tracks in Victoria and southern New South Wales.<\/p>\n There’s a great story behind all of them, but this horse has been amazing.<\/p>\n “He’s got a little bit of a cult following on the country circuit,” Lake said.<\/p>\n “Every time we’re at the races, everyone is asking about him.<\/p>\n “He’s just a ripper that old horse.”<\/p>\n Dandruff emerges from the back & runs away for an easy win in the last event at Ararat ???? pic.twitter.com\/XLBSWpXTwp<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Racing.com (@Racing) March 27, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/5acf496836ca1800e635d3d1cea49d4a.jpeg\")
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