Atlantic Jewel Return Date Pushed Back

The much anticipated return to racing of glamour mare Atlantic Jewel has been pushed back to the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on September 7.

Atlantic Jewel could make her return to racing in the Let's Elope Stakes at Flemington next month. Photo by Steve Hart

It was reported last week that the daughter of Fastnet Rock was set to contest the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on August 17 but trainer Mark Kavanagh told News Limited that the undefeated galloper would likely need another fortnight in trackwork.

Atlantic Jewel has not been seen at the races since her victory in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 28 2012.

The five-year-old was expected to be a leading Cox Plate (2040m) contender last year but she missed the entire 2012 Spring Racing Carnival after suffering a tendon injury that Kavanagh feared would be career ending.

Kavanagh has slowly worked Atlantic Jewel back to full health and said he is delighted with her condition ahead her potential return.

“She’s in fabulous order and she’ll probably have a jump-out in eight days’ time,” Kavanagh told News Limited.

Racing fans all over Australia are hoping that the return of Atlantic Jewel can help fill the void left by fellow wonder mare Black Caviar.

Just like the recently retired equine superstar, Atlantic Jewel has never tasted defeat and has recorded a number of outstanding wins in her seven races starts.

Atlantic Jewel scored an effortless three length victory over Mosheen and Sharnee Rose in the 2011 Group 1 Thousand Guineas (16000m) and followed that up with an outstanding seven length romp in the 2011 Group 3 Wakeful Stakes (2000m).

Kavanagh has remained quiet about what races he plans to target with Atlantic Jewel this spring but the $3.2 million Cox Plate and a tilt at the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) loom as possible options if she is able to remain injury free.

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.