Geejayhaitch Braves Sandown After Injury Bout

Seven-year-old Tasmanian race horse Geejayhaitch will return to Sandown Racecourse for his first race since he broke down at the track in August last year.

The gelding fractured one of his pasterns as he won on a heavy track last year, while in 2007 Geejayhaitch fractured both his front legs during a different race at the same course.

Trainer Walter McShane is confident that his horse has recovered well from his latest injury.

“He seems very sound so far,” McShane said.

“He’s had a trial and three runs to condition him and now he’s over here for some proper work.

“I’ve tried to have him ready so I can give him a longer campaign than usual in Melbourne which normally amounts to two runs but this time I’m aiming at a bit more.

While McShane feels that Geejayhaitch has gotten stronger, he concedes that he needs a softer track to ensure he doesn’t re-injure his legs on the dry ground.

“He seems to be a bit stronger now as he gets older and I’m hoping he can regain his best form because he’ll need it,” McShane said.

“He needs the soft track these days and that’s what we’re here for. He doesn’t sprint on any going but heavy.”

The Matsqui gelding will be looking to add to a record that has seen him win six of his 34 starts and earn more than $100,000 in prize money.

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