Siberian Route recovers from injury to win big at Mackay Turf club

Coming back from an injury is impressive in any sport but when given a diagnosis of never competing again, the redemption is even sweeter for local horse Siberian Route.

Siberian Route is showered with love from both Jockey and connections after its big win 700 days after a near career ending tendon injury

It was a race that nearly never was last Friday at the Mackay Turf club where six-year-old gelding Siberian Route re-announced himself as one to watch after a tendon injury nearly derailed his career more than two years ago.

Back in 2021, life for the six-year-old gelding couldn't have been better after winning two of his first three starts in racing.

But after suffering a tendon injury, a once bright future quickly turned to a bleak reality.

The son of former group three winner Hinchinbrook, Siberian Route was trained under the keen eyes of Tony and Calvin McEvoy in South Australia during his period of dominance at the beginning of his career.

During his fourth race, Siberian Route bolted home in Gawler but it came at a cost with connections of the horse being told his tendon injury would likely see him never step foot on a racetrack again.

With Siberian Route somewhat forced into early retirement, part owner Ian Michelmore wanted to take the horse into his stables given his years of experience as a cattleman in northern Queensland.

Apprentice jockey Jade Doolan onboard the horse of the hour completing its redemption at Mackay last friday

Moved to Nebo where he could relish on the 85,000 acre property, Ian and his wife Andrea took extraordinary care of the horse and over time managed to nurse the once prized racer to full health.

“The vet told me he would never race again with a bad tendon,” Michelmore said.

“So, my wife quickly said that we should take him back home and she would look after him … She is horse mad. He got some tender loving care from her.”

Siberian Route worked under the watchful eye of Mackay trainer John Manzelmann and after nearly 700 days without a race found himself charging down the home straight once again.

He was the favourite for race number eight in Mackay last Friday, before some late market drifting and nervous punters saw Siberian Route move out to $8.50.

A game of inches fell the way of Siberian Route after the horse managed to claim a major victory in its return to racing

With apprentice jockey Jade Doolan on board, Siberian Route launched from the back of the field and around the outside to win by half a head in a close finish.

It was an eye-grabbing effort that caught many by surprise but Michelmore it was a moment of great pride and excitement.

“He will only improve on that run,” Michelmore said

“It was real good to see him win first-up like that after so long away.”