"Cool dude" does it again for Branch at Cambridge

By Jordyn Bublitz 

Romeo Foxtrot proved once again that grit and determination count for plenty when he claimed victory in the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Handicap Trot at Cambridge Raceway last night.

The eight-year-old son of Majestic Son, trained locally by Susan Branch, began brilliantly off his 25-metre mark and quickly took control of the race with Zachary Butcher in the sulky. The pair dictated terms from the outset and, despite a late charge from Johnny Who, held strong all the way to the post.

Branch, who has enjoyed a fruitful season this year, admitted she wasn’t brimming with confidence heading into the race after the gelding had endured a health setback following his previous start.

“We were absolutely rapt with his last start at Alexandra Park over the 1700m, he worked hard early and was only three lengths off of them at the line,” she explained. “But the next morning he couldn’t walk, he came out in boils all over his chest, so we did very little with him between runs.”

“We weren’t overly confident heading into last night, we knew he was a little under-done and he did blow out a bit, but he held on long enough to get the job done!”

That resilience has been a hallmark of Romeo Foxtrot’s career under Branch’s care. Since joining her stable, he has put together an admirable record of six wins and 14 placings, proving himself a reliable campaigner.

“He’s such a cool dude, he tries hard every time and is perfect to do anything with,” Branch said.

Romeo Foxtrot’s consistency has also turned 2025 into Branch’s most successful season since she first took out her trainer’s license back in 1978. All of her stable’s $88,343 in stake earnings this year have come courtesy of him.  

While Branch is realistic about where her trotter sits in the pecking order, she couldn’t be prouder of his efforts.

“He’s not quite level with the best of them, but he always tries his heart out.”