Cox Plate

Warwick Capper set to fly high on Cox Plate Day

Sydney Swans legend Warwick Capper has a share in a two-year-old colt named after him running for $500,000 at The Valley on Saturday.
Sydney Swans legend Warwick Capper has a share in a two-year-old colt named after him running for $500,000 at The Valley on Saturday.
By Brad Waters

Is The Valley ready for the Warwick Capper show?

It will have to be as the AFL legend hits the track on Cox Plate day to see the debut of his latest thoroughbred investment.

The two-year-old colt could only have one name – Capper Thirtynine.

Capper Thirtynine wasn't the former superstar Sydney full-forward's first racehorse with the son of Vancouver one of several horses in which Capper has shares.

Capper said he has even raced horses with former footy opponents in an ironic twist.

"I've got three horses at Nick Ryan's and I've had another two horses for about two years," Capper said.

"I've got another one with (Collingwood premiership defender) Michael Christian as well.

"It's pretty ironic I've got a horse with Michael because I kicked nine on him one day, that's pretty funny."

Flemington trainer Nick Ryan has prepared Capper Thirtynine for his first start in Saturday's $500,000 Inglis Banner (1000m), restricted to graduates of the Inglis yearling sales series.

Former Sydney Swans star Warwick Capper in his playing days in the 1980s.

Capper said he met Ryan and Capper Thirtynine's other owners through a long-time mate of his.

"I met Nick about a year ago through a friend of mine Pat, who's a DJ that I've known for 30 years going around Australia doing footy shows," Capper said.

"Pat's one of Nick's best friends.

"Pat knew I liked horses and Nick was putting a syndicate together so they put my name up for the horse because I'm famous and in the media.

"They said it's a good name so here we are."

Capper Thirtynine finished fourth at his only jumpout at Flemington on October 7.

However, Capper said champion jockey Damien Oliver has been upbeat about the prospects of the son of Golden Slipper winner Vancouver.

"Damien Oliver rode him at trackwork and said he quite liked him," Capper said.

"He rode him a couple of times and sent Nick and me a video to say that he's pretty happy with him and gave him a wrap."

Warwick Capper

Enigmatic former AFL star Warwick Capper has packed many things into his post-football life. Picture: Tony Gough

Ryan said Capper has been an enthusiastic owner, heading to the stables on several occasions to see the promising youngster.

The trainer said Capper could have reason to be excited when Capper Thirtynine steps out on Saturday.

"He's a nice colt," Ryan said.

"There's a big chance the Wiz (Capper) will pop up on Racing.com, the horse goes well."

Punters will have no trouble finding Capper at The Valley, especially if Capper Thirtynine can start his career by earning his high-profile owner a slice of the $300,000 winner's cheque.

"I've got the pink leopard-skin jacket coming out. I'm ready to go," Capper said.

"It might be my shout if he wins."

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