Stallone makes peace with trainer after second victory

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainer Anna Clement is happy to forgive progressive galloper Stallone (NZ) (Savabeel) for an indiscretion that saw him contribute to her breaking her right femur in a paddock accident recently.

The popular Hawera horsewoman was walking with the Savabeel three-year-old when Stallone spooked at something which saw him drag her for a considerable distance resulting in the injury that has seen her incapacitated since.

The accident has meant Clement’s husband Brian has had to take a break from his duties as the Central Districts starter on raceday to manage the Clement team and at New Plymouth on Saturday Stallone provided the pair and owner/breeder Graham Meredith with his second victory for the month.

After making a good beginning in the 1400m contest Stallone was hampered by a tiring runner approaching the home turn which saw him lose some momentum before rider Lisa Allpress could gain clear running in the straight.

Once balanced Stallone produced a powerful finish in the holding conditions to make it two wins from three starts for the Clement team after he began his career with Matamata trainer Danica Guy.

“When we got him, he was still a little weak but he looked to be a pretty promising type,” Clement said

“We have taken our time with him and tried to place him accordingly and he has really come on lately.

“He got caught in an awkward spot on Saturday and I did wonder if that would cost him but when he got into the clear he was really strong to the finish.”

Clement was delighted to secure the win for Meredith who became a client after a recommendation from a friend of his who had horses with Clement.

“We had a horse for one of Graham’s friends and he recommended us,” she said.

“We got a couple from him including Rocababy who ran second at Otaki last month and Trigger Happy who is having a spell at the moment.

“He then sent us Stallone and his younger half sister by Tivaci, who we think could be as good or better than her big brother.

“At the moment we don’t have any set plans for Stallone but it could be time to have a look at something a little bigger for him.

“He is going to have a couple of days at Graham’s property and then come back to the stable and we will then have a think about what next with him.

“He still has a way to go to mature into himself but he is getting there.

“We don’t think he is just a wet tracker either and he should be able to handle a better surface as he gets stronger.”

In the meantime, Clement will continue her rehabilitation and expects to be back on her feet without the aid of crutches in about six weeks.

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