Bethencourt takes next step on comeback trail
Kim Waugh is keen to target a brace of mid-winter Country Cups with gallant gelding Bethencourt, who continues his comeback from a career-threatening leg injury at Randwick.
A fetlock issue had the seven-year-old at a crossroads 12 months ago, his owners faced with the dilemma of whether to pursue a lengthy process of surgery and rehabilitation or pull up stumps.
They opted for the former and that choice was vindicated when Bethencourt, aided by a remarkable training effort from Waugh, posted a slashing win over 1600m at Gosford last month in his first start for 11 months.
“The owners were great getting the operation done,” Waugh said.
“They could have easily just retired him, but he was still producing and going so well, so we did the surgery and to come back and win first-up was pretty good.”
Bethencourt was an acceptor for last week’s Scone Cup (1600m) but was scratched due to an outside gate.
He has been rerouted to the Fujitsu Airstage Handicap (1600m) at Randwick this weekend where he has a much kinder draw in barrier three.
With superior form on rain-affected tracks, Bethencourt will be advantaged by any give in the ground and Saturday’s race will be a key factor in shaping his immediate program.
“He might venture up to Queensland a bit later. He’s been over a mile to 2000 (metres), but I think a mile is his sweet spot,” Waugh said.
“We’ll get through his next run and decide what we want to do.
“I’d really like to go to the South Grafton Cup with him and the Coffs Harbour Cup, those places often get soft tracks and it doesn’t matter how heavy it is, he loves it.
“They’re the two races I’m waiting for.”
The South Grafton Cup (1600m) is on July 14 while the Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m) is on August 2.
Bethencourt will be among three Randwick runners for Waugh along with the in-form Dimaggio in the Midway Handicap (1400m) and Camaguey in the PF Civil Equipment Handicap (2000m).
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...