Comeback jumper Budd Fox showed he’s still a force to be reckoned with this season, brushing aside his rivals in an excellent return to jumps racing at Pakenham on Sunday. The one-time Grand Annual favourite hadn’t raced over the fences for almost two years to the day, but was quick to remind us of his ability, leading from start to finish in the 3200-metre BM125 steeplechase. Champion rider Willie McCarthy rode confidently from the outset, his eight-year-old jumping cleanly throughout and never looking in any danger of defeat. “It’s good to see him back over the jumps after so long”, McCarthy said post-race.
“He didn’t lose any of his zest for it”.
Henry was equally as pleased after the event. “That was terrific”.
“It just showed that sometimes these older horses don’t get competitive on the flat until they get to the jumps. It’s just good to see it on raceday”.
The plan from here is relatively simple.
“He’s pulled up super, he’s fit enough. Straight to the Grand Annual on the Thursday at Warrnambool”.
It was a satisfying win for all connections of the Foxwedge gelding, who spent a long time on the sidelines due to injury, and credit must go to all that stayed patient and solid with this talented chaser.
See you at The ‘Bool.