Three throat operations would be enough to end the careers of most racehorses but not Delago Bolt.
As a two-year-old Delago Bolt won the Black Opal Stakes and was considered good enough to contest the 2009 Golden Slipper.
But James Lyons outlined the extent of problems that have afflicted Delago Bolt in recent years after the gelding’s Eagle Farm win when he set a 1000m class record.
“He’s had three throat operations but the owners have stuck and stuck and it’s payday today,” Lyons said.
“Life’s tough enough and you’ve got no idea the planning that’s been involved in getting this horse back to win at the races.”
Given Delago Bolt’s history of problems, Lyons won’t be rushed into outlining future goals for the six-year-old.
“He’s a day-to-day proposition and I want to get him home tonight and make sure he comes through it OK,” he said.
Lyons was confident Delago Bolt could regain winning form and urged his owners to back the six-year-old.
“A month ago I said `he just won’t get beat’ and they thought I was mad,” Lyons said.
“When they put up $17 on Wednesday night they asked me again and I said `the bigger the price the more you have on it. He won’t get beat’.
“They don’t think I’m mad now.”
Delago Bolt races in the same colours as former champion stayer Carioca who won the 1953 Sydney Cup when ridden by Billy Cook, the grandfather of Lyons, who is the nephew of another champion jockey Peter Cook.
“My grandad is in his grave with these colours on and he gave us all a great start in life so it’s pretty special,” Lyons said.
