First race back from the broken foot

Today was a very big day in the life of Sonny. Having being nursed back from the broken foot, and having come through his preparation and 2 trials without any issues, it was time to see if he still had the fight to win and whether he was good enough to do so.

I was back in Gero for xmas, and it was my first time to see Sonny race.

My "voodoo" on track is well known, and the bookies turned him out a couple of points as a sign of respect that when I am on track my horses cannot win. 

Our game plan was simple, jump, sit-in, power home.

He absolutely blitzed the start and was a clear leader from gate #1 over the 1300m. Meeres then settled him down, and he dropped the bit and lobbed along just off the pace on the fence.


The disaster struck. Bali Cruisers rider pushed into the lead and then put the brakes on. The horses that were in front  pushed off to go outside of it, and Bali Cruiser came back into the front of Sonny. He got a horrid check and was pushed back 2-3lengths. This was at a crucial time when the rest of the field was moving forward. It cost us dearly and meant that the jock had to get him settled, re-aligned, and then moving forward again.

A gap opened as we rounded the corner, but Sonny "baulked" at it...refusing to go into it, so Meeres switched him back to the rails and rode him home.

He came home nicely, but the race was already over after the check. 

We finished a close up 7th with a wall of other horses. Had we not being checked, I think he would have won.

The Gods are still playing games with me...note to Lodgers...keep me off the track

G'Yup

PS He looked a treat.