Fairytale Comeback Complete
24 April, 2019
Harness
Hezgot Fusion Power has completed a remarkable comeback to racing, scoring a classy victory at his first start in almost seven years at Gloucester Park last night.
The 10-year-old, having first start since May 2012, had to do it tough sitting outside race favourite Glowing Report throughout the Download The TABtouch App Pace (2130m), but he was able to draw away over the closing stages to win by 2.5m.
Trainer Hayden Reeves said last night was the culmination of an emotional ride with Hezgot Fusion Power.
“I’m wrapt,” he told RWWA Harness.
“He went really well and performed way above expectations.
“When he did win I got a bit emotional because you don’t realise how much work goes into getting him back to the track.
“When he’s working you’re always looking for signs of something going wrong, or a shortness in his step.
“Even if he doesn’t do anything else in his career, last night was fulfilling enough.”
Hezgot Fusion Power entered last night’s race with a record of five wins from 20 starts and competed in the WA Derby as a three-year-old.
WATCH: Hezgot Fusion Power’s Win Here
Reeves said he would now look to start son of Mach Three on Friday night’s at Gloucester Park.
“He’s a nice horse and last night’s win was a testament to his athletic ability,” he said.
“The entire journey I thought he wasn’t ever going to race.
“We will definitely go to a Friday night race with him now with the money being so good.
“You just don’t know when his last race will be.”
Meanwhile, Ideal Liner made an impressive return to racing in last night’s Off The Track Pace (2130m).
Ideal Liner was lining up for just his fifth race start, having already recorded a Group 1 placing in the Yes Loans 4YO Classic in November.
The Gary Hall Snr-trained pacer was well supported to make a winning return and didn’t disappoint, scoring by 9.1m.
The American Ideal gelding, pictured above, had to do plenty of work early in the race, running a 36.5 lead time and 27.9 first quarter, but his class shone through late as he pulled away from Heza Head Honcho.
It formed part of a winning treble on the night for reinsman Gary Hall Jnr, who also scored on the Justin Prentice-trained duo Mathew James and Our Corelli.
Elsewhere, Franco Edward made a return to the winners circle for the first time in three starts, taking out the Community TAB Pace (2536m).
The American Ideal colt was driven patiently near the rear of the field by Kyle Harper, making his move at the start of the bell lap.
Franco Edward then cruised past his rivals in the concluding stages and scored by 12.4m.
Tim Walker