By MICHAEL FLOYD
LEADING Pearcedale trainer Kel Greenough recorded one the most satisfying wins of his career last Thursday night when forgotten staying star Jethro made a triumphant return to the track at Sandown Park.
Having his first start since suffering a wrist injury in February, Jethro was sent to the boxes a $5.50 chance in the 515m event. Beginning fairly from box 7, the former Tasmanian weaved his way through the field before powering to the line in a smart 29.61.
Greenough is no stranger to success, having prepared some of the sport’s greatest champions.
However it was the way in which this win was achieved which placed among the finest of his illustrious training career.
Jethro had suffered a wrist problem following his brave second to champion Miata in the Group 1 Bold Trease at Sandown Park last November.
A series of setbacks kept the dog on the sidelines until February where he lined up in the Rookie Rebel, however his wrist problem resurfaced during the run and it appeared the Group 1 winner’s career was at the crossroads.
“It really looked like his last injury would be the end of his career,” Greenough said.
“It was a persistent problem and we just couldn’t get enough fitness into him without it flaring again.”
In a last ditched attempt to resurrect Jethro’s career, Greenough turned to a newly developed stem cell treatment with remarkable results.
“He responded brilliantly, you wouldn’t even know he has had a problem. After a few days it was like we had a new dog, full of energy to the point where we had to keep him on a lead so he wouldn’t do himself any damage,” he said.
Just three months after receiving the hi-tech treatment, Jethro had not only returned to the track, but was back on the winners’ list. And connections are daring to dream of a return to the top of the sport.
“He still has a bit of work to do before getting back to full race fitness, but fingers crossed he’ll could he could get back to his best,” Greenough said.
