As a three-month old foal, the Leo Clapham-trained Wiangaree had the misfortune to tangle with a barbed wire fence.
His injuries, which included cut tendons, nearly ended the horse’s life.
Amazingly, the now five-year-old gelding has made a remarkable comeback, lining up at Lismore on Tuesday chasing his third win in six starts.
An Amy White mount, Wiangaree tackles the Byron Bay Pork Class 2 Handicap (1100m).
“He was at a spelling property and a kid on a motor bike frightened him,” Casino-based Clapham said.
“He got caught in a barbed wire fence, cut his tendons and the vet who treated him at the time suggested we put him down.
“They kept working on him and eventually he recovered. The horse is lucky to be alive let alone winning races.”
Wiangaree, by Piccolo, is owned by Allan Greensill and Brian Allom, who run a trucking business and garage in Casino.
Wiangaree didn’t start racing until March, scoring an emotional three-length maiden win on his home track.
Apart from the early setback, Clapham has had to deal with continuous shin soreness with Wiangaree, a big strong horse who does little fast work on the training track.
“We only work him three-quarter pace,” Clapham said.
“He does a lot of slow, long distance work and walks around four kilometres a day.
“His legs are getting much better now but it’s taken time and patience.”
Because of his leg problems, Wiangaree only stands a light preparation and under the circumstances Clapham has done a great job to get him into winning form.
But he admits to an error of judgement at Wiangaree’s last start when he resumed with a fading 2-1/2-length fourth to Willyclang over 1260m at Ballina on October 29 after leading early.
“He hadn’t run for two months. I did the wrong thing starting him over 1260 metres,” Clapham said.
“He had a real good blow after the race. I’ve brought him back to 1100 (metres).
“My track rider Anthony Townsend said he’s spot on for Tuesday. The horse is in good order.”
AAP TURF
