There
was only one cause for concern with the result of champion jumper Marlborough’s
return to the racetrack at Sandown yesterday - and that’s for his rivals !
The striking bay came from last in the 2128
metre Street Cafe Handicap to swamp the leaders close to home for a narrow but
exhilarating first up victory, which proved he was not only back, but perhaps back better
than ever !
Trainer Jim Houlahan couldn’t have
happier with the performance, one which came as no surprise judging by his reaction last
evening. " He’d done a lot of work leading up to this and he’s got a great
deal of flat ability. In fact that was his 7th. win on the flat for us" he remarked.
"And the boy (apprentice rider, Julian Harris) never touched him in the run to the
line either" added Houlahan, sounding a severe warning for his jumping rivals,
whether they be on the local or international scene, in the upcoming months.
Within 36 hours, connections of Marlborough
will have the definitive answer to the path his preparation will now head in.
The most likely scenario, now that he has
publicly proved - without a shadow of a doubt - that the injury, and layoff period, has
not affected his silky smooth action one iota, is that Japanese jumps racing fans will be
given a dose of his awesome talent come April.
There would be few in the industry that would
deny Marlborough, the 1998 / 1999 Jumps Racehorse of the Year, the chance to fulfil his
destiny and represent Australia in the Nakayama Grand Jump, having been forced to decline
last year’s invitation following the aforementioned, unfortunate injury.
Should Monday’s revelation by Australian
Jumps Racing Association Chairman, John Adams confirm popular opinion, Houlahan will
immediately set about the construction of similar style steeples to the ones he will
encounter in Japan.
"They’re a slightly different type
of jump over there, a bit more demanding, so I’ll build some here that he can get
some experience with them" said Houlahan, who takes it upon himself to manufacture
his Rosebud property’s obstacles - yet another remarkable aspect of the veteran
trainer’s seemingly endless capabilities.
And being the master horseman that he is,
Houlahan would lean towards having Marlborough leave our shores without a hurdle start
either, feeling that, aside from the fact there would be no escaping the handicapper, the
smaller jumps would only be a detriment to his chances of successfully competing over the
broader fences, particularly in such a prestigious event.
But at this stage, that is all hypothetical.
The reality is that one of the truly great exhibitors in the art of equine aerobatics is
back to re-apply the indelible mark that was left in our minds during the winter of
‘99.
So make a note to hit this site for
Monday’s big announcement.
And make a note also to
always...................................GO JUMP !!!!!
Don Cooper |
