11 February 2019 | Chris Barsby
Champion horseman Gary Hall Snr is excited.
And for a number of reasons.
Firstly, his millionaire pacer Chicago Bull is back in work after gaining a pleasing report following his latest scans revealed his injuries are healing as well as expected.
Back in October, fresh from his success at Alexandra Park at Auckland some twenty four hours earlier, the Bettors Delight gelding flipped over backwards when being treated and fell on his back, ultimately suffering six or eight fractures to his whither region.
After spending several weeks resting in Auckland, the prolific winner was granted permission just prior to Christmas to return home to his Perth base where he continued to rest.
Now, Hall Snr is looking to the future with his stable star.
“He looks and feels really good, the latest scans were as good as hoped and the prognosis looks positive. It’s great to have him back in the stable and I’m certain he’s enjoying being back in his routine, I think he’ll be ready to race by the middle of the year.” Hall Snr said.
A return trip to the east coast is not being ruled out at this stage.
The Queensland winter carnival in July could be the biggest winner of this news with Hall Snr prepared to look at all options on the table available to him.
The Gr.1 $200,000 TAB Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship at Albion Park on July 20 could be enticing for connections.
Hall Snr is no stranger to Brisbane, the legendary horseman campaigned champion pacer Im Themightyquinn during the 2014 winter carnival.
Im Themightyquinn won both the Sunshine Sprint (track record still stands – 1:50.4) and Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship.
“It’s an option, we know what to expect after competing there with Quinny previously and we’ve got some great memories of that trip. One of his owners (John Richardson) is based in Queensland which is another factor to consider.
“We’ve missed all the biggest races owing to his injury so Brisbane appeals in that sense too, we have a number of nice races back home here to consider and they could easily provide a platform for the eastern campaign.
“Ultimately, the horse will decide which way we go but I’m not ruling out anything at this point. There is a sense of timing about Brisbane and we do have some good friends over there too.”
Naturally, Im Themightyquinn created massive interest for the Brisbane carnival and the appearance of Chicago Bull would have a similar result.
The Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship is the final leg of the 2018/19 Australian Pacing Gold Grand Circuit season.
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