Tommy Woodcock and his horse Reckless shared a bond unlike any other in Australian horse racing history. Their relationship was captured in a now-iconic photograph taken by Bruce Postle on the eve of the 1977 Melbourne Cup. The image, which shows Woodcock lying beside Reckless in the stable, perfectly illustrates their deep connection. Without being asked, the horse rested his head on Woodcock’s chest and closed his eyes, completely at peace. It was a rare and touching moment that showed horse racing wasn’t just about competition—it was about trust, love, and mutual respect between a man and his horse. The simple yet powerful image became one of the most memorable in Australian racing history.
Woodcock’s life with horses started long before Reckless. He was best known as the devoted strapper of Phar Lap, one of Australia’s greatest racehorses. Their bond was so strong that Phar Lap only accepted food from Woodcock and trusted him completely. When Phar Lap was tragically poisoned in 1932, he died in Woodcock’s arms, leaving a lasting impact on the young trainer. Decades later, Woodcock found another special horse in Reckless, a late bloomer who took 34 starts before winning his first race. Under Woodcock’s care, Reckless went on to have an incredible 1977 season, winning the Sydney Cup, Adelaide Cup, and Brisbane Cup, making him a favorite for the Melbourne Cup. Many believed that his patience and gentle approach were the key to Reckless’s success.
The famous photo of Woodcock and Reckless was taken the night before that race. Postle had heard that Woodcock often slept beside his horses before big races and wanted to capture this unique tradition. He brought an air mattress to the stable and convinced Woodcock to lie down. Reckless, fully trusting his trainer, lowered his head onto Woodcock’s chest, and Postle snapped just two pictures—one of which made front-page news on race day. Though Reckless finished second in the Melbourne Cup, the image of him and Woodcock became one of the most beloved in racing history. It was a reminder that the strongest victories weren’t always measured by trophies but by the connections built along the way.
Their story is remembered not for trophies but for the incredible bond they shared. Woodcock’s approach to training was always based on patience, kindness, and trust, which Reckless responded to in a way that made their partnership unforgettable. Even decades later, their story continues to inspire horse lovers and racing fans, proving that the heart of horse racing isn’t just about speed and wins, but about the deep relationships formed along the way. Their journey remains one of the most touching and genuine examples of the love between a trainer and his horse.