Zenas Boy rewarded trainer Gemma Davidson with a brilliant win in his first race for more than a year at Hove on Thursday.
‘Slim’, who turned four in June, broke a hock last September and had screwed fitted to hold it together. He has since trialled back at his beloved Hove – he had won 11 of his 17 races there – though Gemma admitted feeling under huge pressure prior to the race.
But it turned to a night of celebration and relief as the black beat a field including Southfield Jock and Sparta Flame in 16.29 (-05) for the 285 metres. Not bad for a pensioner considering his 15.96 personal best over course and distance is the fourth fastest time ever recorded.
Gemma said: “Slim but tonight just proved time and patience are the ultimate healers.
I have to say these last couple of days I have really felt the pressure but it was worth it and the win was such a big bonus .
“Well done Slim you are the toughest dog I’ve come across in a long time and with such bad injuries not once but twice in your career it really is a feat to come back and do that In late 2013 he smashed a toe into 7 pieces in a trial at Yarmouth after going to fast into the bend and hitting the wall . He is one tough cookie.”
