For seven old school mates from the Lockington and Bamawm area, buying a share in a racehorse was a way to stay in touch.
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Never in their wildest dreams did they think their horse could run in a race with a prize pool of $5 million.
Potentially, that's the exciting prospect facing Mark Ryan, Tony Ryan, Noel McAsey, Nicholas Thomas, Michael Thomas, Matt Saville and Jason Smith.
The former cricket team-mates are part-owners of the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained three-year-old Heart of Puissance, who is a contender to run in the $5 million All-Star Mile at Caulfield.
The All-Star Mile is the richest mile race in the world, with racing fans voting on which horses should make up the field.
"We grew up in the same area but then went our separate ways, so we thought getting into a horse would be a good way to get together every now and then,'' Mark Ryan said.
"We've been involved with other horses, but this one is by far the best one we've had."
Heart of Puissance has only had three career starts - two impressive wins at Warrnambool and Moonee Valley and a gutsy third in the Group Two Sandown Guineas last November.
The third placing at Sandown proved to connections they had a quality galloper on their hands.
On the back of that run a $1.6 million offer was made for the horse, but the large group of owners turned it down.
"When he fought back like he did to run third in the Sandown Guineas, Ciaron Maher said horses can stay and fight and kick back like that can print money basically,'' Mark Ryan said.
"The target straight away was the Australian Guineas, potentially the Australian Cup, the Rosehill Guineas and now potentially the All-Star Mile if we get into it.
"It's all happened so quick. His first run at Warrnambool was not a strong race, but he did it on the bit.
"The race at Moonee Valley was only a five-horse field, but a better race, and he was virtually on the outside fence shaking our hands as he went past and won.
"He did so much wrong, but still won. He's shown lots of promise and elevated himself really quickly. It's exciting times."
To vote for Heart of Puissance to make the All-Star Mile field, go to https://allstarmile.com.au/vote/heart-of-puissance
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