16 July 2010

If patience is a virtue then we and our partners are virtuous indeed.

Today at Geelong OLAZABAL made a winning return to the races at Geelong, travelling strongly all the way and then quickening up in fine style to go clear in the straight to win over 1200m.

About to turn five, Olazabal (Encosta de Lago - Lottey) has been consistent but a series of little niggling injuries have restricted him to just nine starts for trainer Mick Price. Mentally the horse has matured also so it is with a degree of optimism that we look forward to the rest of this preparation.

Enthusiastic partners Bill and Vera Brindle were on hand to welcome Olazabal back to the winners' circle and were thrilled with the win. "It's better than scoring a goal for England!" declared Billy, who played Division 1 football for Merseyside giants Everton in his youth.

Olazabal narrowly failed to win at Moonee Valley last time in and we are hopeful he can rectify that. Winning jockey Ben Knobel certainly thinks so, "He travelled good all the way, I think he can definitely win in town."