Surrender Talks | Big Bright Future for John

Bred by Mungrup Stud, Surrender Talks is a six-year-old gelding by I’m All the Talk. Trained by Lou Luciani, Surrender Talks began his race career in late 2020 for several starts and one win in Bunbury. Despite this win, Surrender Talks was simply too slow to be deemed a competitive racehorse and was retired shortly after. Ending his career with lifetime stakes of $13,550, Surrender Talks was rehomed to Jaime Baker.

Having rehomed horses from Lou and Trish Roberts previously, Jaime was confident in her decision to take on Surrender Talks.

“We have purchased a couple horses now from Trish and Lou, and they have always been absolutely incredible,” commented Jaime.

When asked what prompted her to take on an off the track horse, Jaime stated, “We have always owned off the track horses, and they have been absolutely amazing. Would never choose anything else.”

Known as Big John, Jaime began the retraining process shortly after acquiring the gelding in 2021, with the intention to produce him into an eventer.

Jaime describes Big John as ‘a big cuddly dog that is willing to do anything’ and a quick learner. While he is big, he is known to be dopey and quite relaxed. Together, they have become a competitive pairing in the eventing scene, competing Big John under the name of ‘Talk is Cheap’. Their greatest accomplishment so far has been claiming the win at their first eventing start at Capel in March 2024. They also recently won the 80 OTT class at Dryandra with a very impressive dressage score. Big John has been proving to enjoy his new off the track career as an eventer and regular attendee at competitions.

Jaime expressed that she hopes to keep improving on their craft, hoping to finish with more clear rounds. She aims to move up to 95cm classes in 2025, with the goal to compete Big John up to four- or five-star eventing, and to compete at Adelaide International Three-Day Event.

OTTWA wish Big John and Jaime all the best for their future together, and we look forward to following along!

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