Massale ticks off significant step towards race day return

Promising young galloper Massale (pictured) took a significant step towards making his race day return when trialling today at Avondale – his first public appearance since his race day fall in New Zealand’s richest race, the Karaka Million.

Sustaining a severe injury to the knee as a result of the fall, Massale has come a remarkably long way to where he is today considering veterinary advice at the time was grim and a future in racing was virtually non-existent.

Massale showed his talent in the summer, as a juvenile, with a debut win at Awapuni where he beat subsequent Group 1 Diamond Stakes placegetter Platinum Balos.

The son of Shaft then finished fifth at Ellerslie to earn a start in the Listed Karaka Million, in which he was tightened for room 800 metres from home and crashed through the running rail.

While he was unsuited by the heavy track conditions today, co-trainer Chad Ormsby was happy with how Massale trialled and is elated to see the horse back on track.

“He didn’t travel well in the going today and is a horse that needs a firm track.” Co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“In saying that, he came through the trial in good order and Opie (Bosson) didn’t ask much of him.”

“Opie was really happy with him and commented that his action and style felt great, although was uncomfortable and unsuited in the heavy ground.”

A race day return is on the agenda over the coming month, although the small steps policy will still be applied until Ormsby and partner Mike Moroney are 100% happy.