Trainer John McNair is refusing to listen to critics who believe Hay List should be retired from racing once and for all.
Hay List’s extraordinary career has been plagued with injury and health concerns, include a near deadly bout of colic.
John McNair doesn't believe Hay List has reached the end of his career just yet. Photo by Taron Clarke.
However, the eight-year-old survived to race another day, with McNair hoping to begin his spring carnival in this Saturday’s Group 3 Missile Stakes at Royal Randwick.
While many people are openly adverse to Hay List returning for yet another campaign after his disappointing autumn campaign, McNair won’t buy into the hype.
“I don’t listen to these peanuts who are on all these different racing sites and put up comments, which are absolutely ridiculous,” McNair told The Daily Telegraph.
“These people are making comment about an animal they’ve never seen or without looking at the horse at all.”
McNair insisted that Hay List had been passed fit and healthy to race by his veterinarian ahead of Saturday’s Missile Stakes.
“I have some of the best vets who look at him almost daily, and I’m happy to listen to them, not these other people,” he said.
“I guess the best thing is to prove these people wrong.
“I would sooner bring joy to Hay List and his many supporters and fans than the few would-be if they could-be narks.”
Hay List has had two barrier trials since returning to work this spring, producing a second and a fifth placing.
The Statue Of Liberty gelding has won 15 of his 25 race starts in total and has earned more than $2.55 million in prize money.
Hay List’s last win came in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap during last year’s autumn racing carnival.
For the majority of his career, Hay List was only bested by his number one rival Black Caviar.
Hay List will likely run the Missile Stakes this weekend, before going on to compete in the Group 2 Warwick Stakes on August 24.
“If he does run Saturday, it will definitely improve him,” McNair said.
“I wouldn’t expect him to win, but I wouldn’t be silly enough to say he can’t win.
“You can never rule out a champion.”
Missing Saturday’s Missile Stakes would lead McNair to save Hay List for the Group 3 Concorde Stakes at Royal Randwick on September 7.
