Barry Lockwood rejoices as Hidden Pearl thrives in comeback after long stint on the sidelines

BARRY Lockwood confessed the triumphant return of his Hidden Pearl in Saturday’s Tim Bell Memorial was one of his most satisfying moments as a trainer.

Hidden Pearl and Bridget Grylls have now combined for five wins together. Picture: Natasha Wood, Trackside Photography

BARRY Lockwood confessed the triumphant return to racing of his lightning-fast mare Hidden Pearl in Saturday’s Tim Bell Memorial at Eagle Farm was one of his most satisfying moments as a trainer.

Nine months earlier Lockwood had watched Hidden Pearl limp away from Flemington, her racing career in tatters.

“After seeing her that day, I have always been worried it might happen again,” he said. “Basically, the joint at the top of her rump had torn apart. She didn’t walk properly for two months after that.”

Fast forward to Saturday, which followed an extensive rehabilitation program at Washpool Lodge and Eagle Farm, and Lockwood stood steely faced in the Eagle Farm enclosure.

Punters had snubbed the mare, with bookmakers winding her from $1.90 to $2.70.

Even when Hidden Pearl bounded clear soon after straightening, Lockwood held his composure. It wasn’t until she got within the last 100m that he let his guard down.

“Go girl. Go girl,” he said before breaking into applause as she crossed the line.

“She’s had a lot of work. Right from that day at Flemington. The vet Tim Roberts looked after her initially and then we sent her to Washpool where she spent two months on the water walker and treadmill.

“She was well and truly ready, but I always had that day in the back of my mind. The injury was very severe. So this is just terrific.

“She just loves running. I have never come across any other horse like her. She loves every minute of it.”

You couldn’t take the grin off Barry Lockwood’s face after the triumph. Picture: Natasha Wood, Trackside Photography

Lockwood intends to give Hidden Pearl one more run in Queensland before venturing to Sydney for a campaign that will include The Shorts (G2).

Hidden Pearl was ridden to success by her regular partner Bridget Grylls, who accepted a winning trophy from Tim Bell’s parents Keiley and Grant and his long-time partner Heidi Whalley.

Hidden Pearl is now the winner of six races and Grylls has been aboard in five of those.

“She’s just a star. She’s a beautiful mover with a very high cruising speed,” she said.

“I didn’t need to start pushing her until the 200m. She gave me a brilliant feel today.”

Deagon trainer Brad Smith has made a smart purchase in the shape of San Telmo, who delivered back his purchase price and then some under a skilful Michael Hellyer ride over the mile yesterday.

Smith gave just $24,000 for San Telmo at a tried horse sale in February and yesterday’s first prize of $40,200 puts his team of owners in front already, but it seems probable there’s more to come.

“I had said to the owners at the start of this preparation that anything we get before he gets to 2000m will be a bonus, but he’s shown a bit of dash about him,” Smith said.

Originally published as Barry Lockwood rejoices as Hidden Pearl thrives in comeback after long stint on the sidelines