Had Wayne Seelin’s neighbours not lit a massive bonfire, Isorich’s push for $400,000 in stakes would have been put on hold.
The Wyong trainer had no intention of running his reliable seven-year-old gelding at Randwick on Saturday until he needed a couple of weeks off after a late-night scare.
“They had a 20-foot bonfire on the Saturday night and the next day I had three lame horses and he was one of them,” Seelin said, after Isorich won a Benchmark 84 Handicap (1200m).
“He just twinged a knee, he had to have two weeks off. I normally only race him in the winter and the summer, this time of year is usually a bit tough,” he said.
However, the $21 chance relished the opportunity and claimed the ninth win of his 68-race career by a head over Improvement ($9).
“We’ve only got a few fans but he tries every time, they’ll catch on soon,” Seelin said.
Isorich’s rare spring start also paid dividends for apprentice Lee Maggorian, who saluted after a Sydney Saturday race for the first time.
