WELCOME HOME DANNY BOUGOURE

He has always gone about his business in a quiet, professional manner. Never flash. ... always humble, which is probably the reason why Danny Bougoure’s return home has largely slipped under the radar.

The man who helped give Queenslanders some of their proudest moments with his exploits with the mighty Falvelon – two successive Doomben 10 000 victories as well as an International Sprint success in Hong Kong – is back from a four year long sojourn in Melbourne.

Bougoure took the last couple of months off to recharge, regroup and resettle, before getting back to business this week, kicking off the next stage of his training career and taking on the new challenge in the familiar surroundings of Eagle Farm.

“People tried to point me towards the Sunshine Coast,” said Bougoure. “They thought that was the way to go in terms of training facilities. But I trained at Eagle Farm before and know the conditions pretty well so it was logical for me to go back there.”

Was Bougoure ever tempted by the supposed advantages of the Cushion Track at the Sunshine Coast?

“Not at all,” was Bougoure’s straight reply. A further shrug of the shoulders suggested that the merit of that track should be left for others to debate.

Bougoure has taken ten boxes at Eagle Farm and currently has six horses in his care.

“I was offered eighteen boxes and pressed to take them, but that would have put me under unnecessary pressure,” explained Bougoure. “I said I was happy to pay for ten, even though I had less horses than that, and that’s the way the deal stands at the moment.

“Eagle Farm is the ideal location,” continued Bougoure. “Eagle Farm and Doomben are obviously right there. Then it’s not that big a trip either down to the Gold Coast and Ipswich or up to the Sunshine Coast. To me it is just the right centre to be at.”

So how was his time in Melbourne and why did Bougoure make the decision to return to Queensland?

“Training anywhere is a tough proposition,” answered Bougoure, “and obviously Melbourne is no different. It’s always competitive. It’s always difficult.

“I made some very good friends down there ... some will probably stay friends for life. But the bottom line for me came down to the lifestyle,” continued Bougoure. “The decision was that simple.

“I did give it a full go. I tried to see the good side down there, but, if you grew up in Queensland and were used to enjoying what we have here, Victoria can’t compare. You simply can’t beat the lifestyle in Queensland – and that’s why I am back.”

Many race-goers will be pleased that he is.