3 minute read
Throat operation saves Galenus' racing career.
Talented sprinter Galenus made it successive wins on the Launceston track when he scored an impressive win in the Ladbrokes Open Handicap over 1200m on Wednesday night.
Galenus was backed in to start the $2.10 favourite, although his price eased late when a plethora of money arrived for the John Blacker-trained Blaze Forth ($8 into $4.20) and Take The Sit ($4.60) from the Bill and Monica Ryan stable.
Rider Siggy Carr had the gelded son of Magnus travelling kindly behind the leader Gee Gee Queen Bee before joining the leader on the home turn and when she released the reins in the home straight, he sped clear and went on to win by almost three lengths from Julie Richards' consistent mare Jaja Chaboogie with Take the Sit third ahead of Blaze Forth.
The Scott Brunton-trained gelding has had a checkered career with injuries and a respiratory condition but that all seems to be behind him.
"I don't think we will ever see the absolute best of this horse but while he is racing like he is, I'm sure he is going to be very competitive in whatever he contests," Brunton said.
"He had a throat operation and he had to wear a crossover nose band and tongue tie but we eventually discarded those and started again and he's been really good since.
"The big turnaround for him is that now he is settling in his races instead of charging like a bull at a gate and that is mainly due to Siggy (Carr) riding him."
Galenus is a five-year-old that has had only 12 starts for seven wins a couple of minor placings for $211,000 in stakes.
