After almost 14 months on the sidelines, Group One placegetter Declichy Boulevard has made a triumphant return from a tendon injury to stamp her class on a low-key meeting at Randwick.
The mare hadn’t raced since finishing third behind Treasurethe Moment in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on April 1 last year, and trainer Chris Waller’s assistant, Darren Beadman, said it was always a nervous watch when horses returned from tendon issues.
“Running on a track like this with an issue like that prior was a bit of a question mark, but class prevailed today,” Beadman said.
“She has trialled nicely leading into this. The conditions made it more testing. If it was a dry track it might have been a fraction short for her, so it was a lovely effort all round.”
Given time to find her feet early, Declichy Boulevard ($9.50) scooted through along the inside to take out Saturday’s Taylor Construction Handicap (1400m) by three-quarters of a length over La Roja ($9), with the winner’s stablemate, Surf’s Up ($5 fav), another half-head back in third.
Beadman praised Victorian-based rehabilitation expert Lee Evison with Declichy Boulevard’s recovery, while the four-year-old was also aided by what the former champion jockey described as a “copybook” ride from stable apprentice Siena Grima.
“She is starting to find her groove,” Beadman said of Grima.
“She gave her the chance to switch off, used no petrol with the big weight, and cut the corner.”
Given the nature of tendon injuries, Beadman said the stable’s first priority would be ensuring Declichy Boulevard had come through the run unscathed before finding a similarly low-key, confidence-boosting assignment.
Waller indicated earlier in the week that the mare would have two runs this preparation before returning for a spring carnival campaign.
Grima said Declichy Boulevard travelled well throughout and dug deep despite her 59.5kg impost.
“At the 600, I was looking for runs. I had a tonne of horse under me,” Grima said.
“What a run from her. Big weight and she just kept finding the line.”
