Beau Mertens captured the emotional Listed $300,000 Pakenham Cup on December 21, 2024, aboard Goldman, creating poignant connections to his late father, Peter Mertens, who won the race twice.
The day marked not just another win for Mertens but also celebrated the legacy of his father, who was undeniably significant to the Mertens family and winners of the Pakenham Cup. Upon taking to the track, Mertens piloted Goldman, the horse trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, showcasing the family's passion for racing.
The race began with Goldman leaping from the gates effectively, grabbing the lead as expected from Waterhouse and Bott-trained contenders. Mertens ensured the race maintained pace as he faced Smokin’ Romans on his outside, compelling both jockeys to push their horses throughout the race.
At the 600-meter mark, Mertens noticed Goldman maintaining stamina and strength, easily slipping one length clear of the competition. The threat from Grand Pierro loomed until the final stages of the race, with the challenge intensifying as they approached the last 200 meters.
Even as Grand Pierro threatened to overtake, Goldman remarkably found another gear, driving hard to protect his lead. With 100 meters left on the clock, Goldman was leading, digging deep to fend off the competition, eventually crossing the finish line just a long head in front of Grand Pierro. The heavily backed favorite Muramasa finished third, leaving Mertens no doubt of Goldman's strength under pressure.
"It’s unbelievable many years later to get the job done. It’s always good picking off races Dad won," Mertens expressed after the race, reflecting on not only the win but also the sentimental significance aligned with his father’s history. Peter Mertens, who passed away from pancreatic cancer just the previous year, had previously ridden to victory at Pakenham twice—in 2002 and 2004.
During the post-race discussions, Mertens echoed the simple advice from Waterhouse before the race: "Basically the only instruction was ‘give it a Gai Waterhouse ride.' It’s pretty simple when she wants it done, and she had presented the horse in excellent form for me to do so.” This emphasis on following Waterhouse’s hallmark style likely contributed to Goldman’s ultimate success.
Goldman, after more than 18 months of poor form, made this significant comeback. The son of Verdi had last taken out the Listed Roy Higgins more than a year prior, which had seen him tipped as Melbourne Cup favorite only to struggle since. With this race under his belt, Goldman not only regained his footing but showcased his natural tendency for leading from the front—a classic trait of Waterhouse's training methodology.
Mertens, holding onto memories of his father's achievements, stated, "Most of the time, he’d always have one up on me, so it’s always good to tick off some races.” His words carry the emotion and fulfillment of familial bonds tightly intertwined with the sport. Knowing he could emulate his father’s legacy added weight to the win.
Beyond individual achievements, Mertens’ victory served as a reminder of the Mertens family’s enduring influence on Australian horse racing. Beau Mertens continues to craft his path, noting the delicate balance of pressure and pride as he steps forward with each race. The Pakenham Cup victory strengthens his foundation as he aligns increasingly with the legacy his father leaves behind.
Goldman, with this victory, now holds six wins from 18 starts, registering significant achievement and prize money exceeding $640,368, encapsulating the horse's potential realized under Beau Mertens' skillful handling.
Saturdays at Pakenham have become accustomed to notable races, and December 21 will forever hold the memory of Beau Mertens and Goldman’s win, complemented by the silent cheer of memories held dear for Peter Mertens.
Beau Mertens continues to rise through the ranks, proving you can both honor the past and build anew from its foundation, ensuring the Mertens name continues to resonate within horse racing circles.
