After being sold to Hong Kong and then later purchased as a hack in Australia, New Zealand bred four-year-old Aye Aye makes a long-awaited return to the racetrack at Cessnock on Tuesday.
The Jeremy Sylvester-trained galloper tackles the Tooheys New Benchmark 55 Handicap over the 900m scamper with champion jockey Robert Thompson in the saddle.
Aye Aye started his career in New Zealand, winning a 1000m maiden by 2.3 lengths on debut in April last year. He was then sold to Hong Kong but never raced there.
Returning to Australia, Aye Aye was purchased as a hack for $3000.
“A friend of mine (Trinette Crawford) bought him as a hack but he wasn’t up to scratch,” Sylvester said.
“Trinette contacted me, told me the story and asked if I would like to give him a go. I agreed.”
Aye Aye underwent an operation in May to correct a breathing problem and had three months off before being put into light work under Sylvester.
Sylvester organised a syndicate to race Aye Aye, the group headed by publican Peter Wares from the Bellbird Hotel near Cessnock.
“They’re all mates from the pub,” Sylvester said.
“They were after a horse and I told them about Aye Aye and his history.
“They were all prepared to give it a go. It was a gamble for all of us.”
When Aye Aye arrived at Sylvester’s stables he was in sound order.
“He’s only a little horse,” Sylvester said. Very immature but having all that time off hasn’t hurt him.
“He’s been in work since August. His trials have been okay. He’s now ready to go.
“With sixty-and-a-half kilos after a long break it’s all a guessing game but I think we can win races with him. He’s got some ability.”
Aye Aye has had two trials at Newcastle and Gosford, placing both times.
“Robert has been riding him work since Leanne Henry hurt her wrist,” Sylvester said.
“Having him on board is always a plus.”
AAP TURF
