No matter how hard the challenge, the Wollongong local refuses to quit.

Think leukemia, kidney disease and bone-marrow transplants. Piras has resisted them all.

“I don’t give up,” he says. 

He’s doesn’t, in part, because of days like Saturday when he gets to watch ‘Doctor Red’.

A part-owner of Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Redzel, Piras was trackside at Royal Randwick to see his five-year-old gelding claim the richest race on turf, the $10 million The Everest (1200m). 

“It was just amazing,” Piras said. 

“So many people were happy for him to win. This horse has affected a lot of people. 

“Everyone in the transplant community. Donors Australia and Transplant Australia have all supported this horse.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for a donor so that awareness is just so important to me. 

“He is the people’s horse. They say Winx is but this is the real people’s horse.”

Piras – who had previously missed out on part-ownership in Golden Slipper winner Polar Success because he was in hospital – has been flooded texts, calls and has made several television appearances since Redzel’s victory over the weekend. 

He joked that he ‘would be there for a week’ answering every message he had received, but couldn’t have been more thankful for the support.

“It’s been a hectic 24 hours and the week before it as well but I wouldn’t change it. Never,” he said. 

“He deserved what he got. 

“He proved it and I can’t believe he had critics. He had to win that to prove to them he was the real deal.”

Redzel’s victory banked an amazing $5.8 million for connections which will be split between the slot holder, trainers, jockey and owners.

“It’s like winning 12 Group 1 Moir Stakes and that’s just for the owners share. It’s insane,” Piras said.

While a date with the Spring Carnival remains an option, Piras had eyes for a return to Royal Randwick in 12 months time.

“I said it before we win this one that I think he can go back to back,” Piras said.

“I think he can do it. 

“We haven’t seen the best of him yet, that’s the scary part.

“He just goes up another level each start and has done that every start this campaign.

“He’s just an amazing horse.”