by Chris Barsby
The road to the racetrack for Bodhi Tree has been anything but conventional.
A litany of issues has severely interrupted and punctuated his brief but interesting career to date.
Prepared by highly respected horseman Peter Greig, the now eight-year-old has severely tested the patience of his Brisbane based mentor.
But as they say, persistency pays.
“It hasn’t been easy with him, he’s obviously had a lot of issues along the way but his ability has always been there and the fact there’s been no pressure or expectation, we’ve been able to patch him together and get him to the races.” Greig said.
The Blissfull Hall – Art Start gelding displayed natural ability at an early stage but immaturity issues prevented him racing during his rookie term.
From there, the problems started to surface and they were serious.
Knee troubles as a three-year-old required operations and clean-ups.
Bodhi Tree would win his first start at Albion Park (August 5, 2013) scoring by a widening margin while rating 1:57.9 before backing up three days later and running second at the now defunct Gold Coast in a time of 1:57.0.
A nasty pelvis injury forced him to the paddock for some time and it would be six months before he could canter again.
Bodhi Tree would make it back to the races in May of 2014; he would have a four start campaign which resulted in three straight seconds before winning at Albion Park in early June.
But he pulled up sore again and required more time off.
Following a lengthy break, he was back in work but his first day of fast work; he pulled up sore yet again which would force him out of action for another four months.
The next issue arose in March 2016 when he bowed his nearside tendon following a trial at Albion Park.
His offside tendon also caused issues too.
Another setback came after he fibrillated in track work.
But he continues to fight back and defy retirement.
Hours upon hours of veterinary advice coupled with constant care from Greig and his partner Patrice Madden have enabled Bodhi Tree to showcase his rare talent.
Despite not having raced for over three years, Bodhi Tree has made it back to the races.
And he’s back winning.
In fact, he’s two for two following victories at Redcliffe in 1:58.7 and at Albion Park in the Seymour Triple-One-Nine Torpedo; an event staged over 1119m.
“It’s very rewarding but it clearly demonstrates how much he enjoys racing, he’s a great competitor and both victories have been full of merit.
“There are no plans; obviously it’s just one race at a time.”
The older half-brother to Arts Treasure, a winner of the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad 2yo Fillies Final at Albion Park back in July now sits with a record of 4 wins and 4 seconds from his 8 career starts to date.
An incredible record considering the adversities he’s faced along the way.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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