Kalgoorlie trainer Peter Fernie looking to uphold family tradition with Perth Cup fancy Sentimental Hero

Nearly 70 years on, Kalgoorlie trainer Peter Fernie will look to emulate the deeds of his grandfather Robert by winning WA’s greatest staying contest. The Robert Fernie-owned Fairetha shot to victory in both the 1958 and 1959 Perth Cups and is one of just eight horses to recapture the crown since the race’s inception in 1887. Now, Peter will saddle up $5 favourite Sentimental Hero for the $1 million race, a horse who has earned in excess of $150,000 since being purchased for $50,000 by Fernie and long-time supporters just five months ago. Wednesday’s contest is a far cry from Fernie’s home of Kalgoorlie, with their $150,000 Cup the biggest race he has won. “I’ve never been in this sort of race before and I don’t normally like to get too confident in big races because I don’t believe that helps you one bit,” he said. “It didn’t worry me where he drew, but he could end up in a pretty good spot.” Ironically, Sentimental Hero was purchased from Cups King Bob Peters, who will look for a record 11th title with $6.50 chance Diamond Scene.