Mouse Hamilton Fairley and Third Wind, 2022 Pertemps Final

Mouse Hamilton Fairley and Third Wind, 2022 Pertemps Final

ROA Board member Mouse Hamilton-Fairley was lucky enough to taste Festival success last year with her homebred gelding Third Wind coming out best in a thrilling finish to the Pertemps Final. We spoke to her about how she came into ownership – and how the win was a real family affair!

How did you get involved in ownership?

I got into racing through eventing and then point-to-pointing back in the 1980’s.  I was hooked and so then took out a permit and went on to have a full dual purpose training licence for 11 years. Since then I have been an owner in various guises - owner breeder, partnership member and syndicate owner so I have enjoyed the ups and downs of the ownership experience across the spectrum.

How did you find Third Wind?

I bred Third Wind. My mother, Ann Plummer, bred the dam and the grand dam from her foundation mare Drama School. I trained Third Wind’s dam, Act Three, for the Runs in the Family partnership she set up and when I stopped training I kept her and bred from her - so it’s been a real family journey all the way. 

What do you remember about the lead up to the race?

I remember not being that hopeful and telling my friends not to back him! He had run a rather lacklustre race the previous time in the Rendlesham at Haydock Park, a race he had won the year before, so I wasn’t at all confident. Even when all that rain fell on the Wednesday I was still doubting his chances but everyone will tell you I always err on the side of pessimism before a race.

Where did you watch the race from?

We watched from the stand in the Owners’ and Trainers’ section. Any doubts that my 92-year-old mother wouldn’t get back to the winners’ enclosure in time were completely dispelled as she literally cantered through the crowds to greet him back in!

How did you feel when Third Wind crossed the line in front?

Complete disbelief to start with as he came from so far behind - I kept looking at Hughie (the trainer) and my son and saying “did we actually win?” Even though I had dreamt of that moment for years, when it actually happens it is so hard to take in. A few tears were certainly shed. 

How did you celebrate?

After the agony of surviving a rather needless Stewards Enquiry, the course entertained us with the customary champagne, hosted for us by the charming Zara Phillips, and then the champagne just kept flowing – back upstairs in the Owners’ and Trainers’ bar and then in the Moët bar! I was literally floating on air with my phone constantly buzzing and people sending me pictures from their TV’s at home and at work of me and Third Wind. 

I think I had nearly 100 messages that day, some from people I hadn’t seen for years, such is the reach of the Festival. I still watch the replay regularly if I ever need cheering up, it’s the best pick me up! Sadly, Third Wind has had a niggling tendon injury this season so won’t be back to defend his crown but there is always next year! 

I will be forever grateful to Hughie and the team at Summerdown and Tom O’Brien for giving me the best day of my racing life.