August 1 is the standardised birthday of horses in the Southern Hemisphere and originates from the racing industry, where it makes sorting horses into age categories easier.
For Scud the thoroughbred, the celebration came a month early, with his actual birthday falling on September 2.
Scud will turn six this year, his first birthday after retiring from racing in November last year.
Current owner Prue Peters of Shepparton used to be a part-owner during Scud’s racing career, but after his vet recommended retiring him early to keep him sound and healthy, she jumped at the chance to give him a new home.
Scud was raced by Liam Howley Racing under the name Platinum Destroyer and won his maiden race in Echuca and a $35,000 first place prize at Cranbourne.
Scud spent some time adjusting to post-racing life with Mr Howley before Mrs Peters took over and moved him to an agistment property north of Shepparton.
Mrs Peters said she had to learn a lot very quickly because Scud was her first horse.
She quickly became obsessed, covering her home in pictures of him and even getting a custom number plate.
“I spend so much time with him,” Mrs Peters said.
“He’s the absolute best, very quiet and well-behaved.”
Scud loves attention and will often nibble at Mrs Peters’ hair.
“I just love it because he’s such a smooch and he never bites.”
After Mrs Peters had been away on holiday for a week, he placed his chest against hers and his head over her shoulder.
“He full on hugged me like ‘where have you been, Mum?’”
Mrs Peters hopes to move somewhere where she can take care of Scud at home.
Mrs Peters visits him every day and is taking riding lessons so she can hopefully ride him by the end of this year.
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