Trainer Rob Heathcote is hoping September 26 is a happier date for evergreen sprinter Rothfire.
The last time Rothfire raced on September 26 was back in 2020 when he broke down with a serious sesamoid injury when leading in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.
A lesser horse would not have made it back to the track, but five years later, on Friday, September 26, Rothfire is back for a shot at Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) glory at Moonee Valley.
Heathcote marvels at Rothfire’s resilience.
“I shudder to think how good he could have been if he had not shattered his fetlock in that Golden Rose,” Heathcote said.
“It’s been a challenge to get him this far, but the horse’s welfare always takes precedence, no matter the race.
“If he’s not right, he doesn’t run.”
Heathcote took Rothfire to The Valley on Monday morning for a gallop.
Blake Shinn substituted for race rider Nash Rawiller in the gallop, reporting to Heathcote the ‘old boy’ was in remarkable shape.
“Blake came in after riding him on Monday morning and said ‘thank goodness I don’t have to ride him every day’,” Heathcote said.
“He’s strong, a very strong worker, and he was delighted with his work.
“He’s eight years old but he doesn’t know it. The way he looks, the way he works, his attitude, his enthusiasm, it’s all first class.
“He’s only had 30-odd races because of his lifetime of issues, but he’s here and he’s sound.”
Rothfire has a good Moonee Valley record, although the sprinter’s first-up run in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) did not go as planned.
“I wish we had that race over again,” Heathcote said.
“He jumped positive, but unfortunately, the jock was too negative, got tangled up in traffic and I don’t think Nash will do that.
“He loves The Valley, and he’s run second in this race before (2022).
“What a memory that night was. The thunder and lightning and then the boom when they went out onto the track, it was a crazy night, but he came back the next day and ran second and I would take that if you were offering it now.
“Lady Shenandoah, she’s got the form on the board and is trained by the best trainer in the country and will be ridden by the best jockey, but my old lad will be hard to beat.”
A field of ten has accepted for Friday night’s 1200m contest which includes Moir winner Baraqiel, Magic Time, Charm Stone, Skybird and Alabama Lass.
The barrier draw will be held on Tuesday evening.
