Giggles gets the last laugh

One of only three racehorses bred in the Australian Capital Territory in 2007, Who’s Giggling Now had just three trips to the races with his record suggesting why there was no fourth.

His three starts, all in maiden grade at Canberra, Sapphire Coast and Moruya garnered a pair of seventh placings and a 14th of 14. The closest Who’s Giggling Now finished behind a winner was 10.3 lengths and he was retired in 2011.

The now 14-year-old gelding known affectionately as Giggles was once trained by John Nisbet who unsurprisingly doesn’t have too many fond memories of his wickedly slow gelding on the track but comments that he was a lovely animal who was much loved during his short time at the stable.

 “He was slow.” Nisbet said. “But he was a beautiful horse and I’m glad he went to such a loving home.”

Racing may not have been Giggles’ caper but the lovely gelding has found a calling in retirement with owner Ciara Grace. Grace says that Giggles now lives happily with her family on the farm in Fitzroy Falls and shares his paddock with two miniature horses.

“We have a small farm stay and the families that stay with us enjoy feeding him some hay each morning.” Grace said.

“It has been both fun and a challenge getting back into riding as an adult. He has a cheeky personality, he’s not really a fan of working but there is no meanness in him.”

“We occasionally go to some local ‘fun days’ with dressage and small jumps but mostly do trail riding and horsemanship clinics which he enjoys, camping a few times a year at the clinics.”

“Giggles has been great for me, I have learnt a lot from him, mainly I’ve had to ‘slow down’ and listen to form a connection with him which is a very special thing and good for all aspects of my life.” Grace said. “I love that he keeps inspiring me to learn and challenge myself. “

 

Pictured: Who's Giggling Now with loving owner Ciara Grace.