Prix De Turn, once set for life in the equestrian world, will make a surprise return to the track in Saturday’s Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield.
The rising seven-year-old hasn’t raced since last year’s Yarra Valley Cup, and trainer Matthew Brown admits the comeback was never part of the original plan.
“He’s talented, but the issues caught up with him,” Brown said.
Persistent soundness problems had plagued Prix De Turn, who won the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes and finished seventh to Anamoe in the 2021 Caulfield Guineas.
After a lengthy spell, Brown noticed the gelding had improved significantly and decided to give racing another shot.
“He was still sitting in the paddock… we trotted him up, had a look, and he was sound.”
Apprentice Rose Hammond will ride with a 3kg claim, bringing his weight to just 50kg.
Brown says Saturday will be like “a third trial” to gauge if the gelding still has the desire to race.