Racing: Cox Plate stoush 'The Race of the Century'

Owner Peter Mitchell, Bonecrusher at the ripe old age of 29, and strapper Shaune Ritchie with the Cox Plate won at Moonee Valley Victoria in 1986. Photo / Supplied

The late, great racecaller Bill Collins died believing his legacy would be declaring Kingston Town couldn't win 250m out before the champ won his record third consecutive Cox Plate in 1982.

Rubbish.

Bill, probably the greatest racing microphone yapper of all time, erased any memory of that with the line "... and Bonecrusher races into equine immortality"four years later.

For the past 25 years they have called that famous Bonecrusher/Waverley Star Cox Plate stoush "The Race of the Century".

The dogfight the two Kiwis had down the Moonee Valley home straight injected unforgettable images into the minds of all race followers.

Unquestionably, Bill Collins' commentary played a big part.

The words "... and Bonecrusher races into equine immortality" look nothing elaborate when put on paper.

But when you analyse how difficult it must have been for Collins to come up with that line at the end of a race that had him breathless, you realise the brilliance.

Racecallers who pre-empt something put themselves on dangerous ground.

If the race doesn't quite run to script they're in trouble.

That phrase had to have come straight out of the originality corner of Collins' grey matter.

All participants played their part in making that one of the races that will stand the test of time.

Which is why the Moonee Valley Racing Club this week invited Bonecrusher's trainer Frank Ritchie to Melbourne and rider Gary Stewart from Brisbane to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the great race.

And it would have been magnificent to have had Bonecrusher there, these days alive and well in Auckland at age 29, but no unnecessary risks will be taken in that area.

"I saw him the other day and he looks magnificent," said Frank Ritchie from Melbourne.

"Which is largely due to the care and attention he's always had."

There is also a theory here that has yet to be proven, but makes sense.

Champion racehorses almost always live longer than others and you have to imagine that the heart, lungs and determination that got them to the winning post first help create good health despite the years and also ward off illness.

"I totally agree with that," says Ritchie.

"When he finished racing his heart measurement was pretty big.

"Plus, he was rarely galloped hard.

"He was just a natural athlete that had the physicality that helped with fitness."

Red, as he became known to race fans on both sides of the Tasman, has done so well he's outlived three paddock mates.

"We've put dry mares in with him over the years and he's seen three of them off and now he's on his fourth."

Sitting at the Moonee Valley lunch earlier this week Ritchie could reflect on a great moment, not only in his own chosen business, but in the wide world of thoroughbred racing.

But that day 25 years ago was frustrating at the time.

"We were all staying in the same hotel, owner Peter Mitchell, Gary Stewart and I and Peter and I were so nervous on the morning of the race we were running around like idiots.

"When it was time to go, there was Gary asleep on the couch.

"I could have choked him."

Stewart as usual breaks into a slow smile.

"Oh well, there's no use worrying, that never did anyone any good."