Beloved sprinter Curran will return to Caulfield on Saturday for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m), with his future hanging in the balance.

The seven-year-old, trained by mother-and-daughter team Lyn Tolson and Leonie Proctor, hasn’t won since the 2023 Country Discovery and has struggled in three runs this campaign.

A poor showing could prompt retirement, but rider Billy Egan’s feedback after Curran’s last-place finish earlier this month gave the team reason to continue.

“He still feels enormous,” Tolson said.
“Maybe he needs to get that fitness up a little bit more.”

Tolson’s grandson, Matt Cartwright, has returned from New Zealand and will ride Curran after positive work at home.

Curran, who’s battled breathing and foot issues over his career, missed 10 months last year but is now sound.

“He’s had inflammation problems and we’ve been soft on him,” Tolson said.
“But going into this one, everything’s been good.”

If Saturday doesn’t go to plan, Curran may retire—but he’ll remain on the farm as a lead horse.