Mourinho on the Comeback Trail

Mourinho’s racing career appeared in doubt when he suffered a near fore tendon injury in early autumn, but trainer Peter Gelagotis has revealed the Group 1 winner is taking particularly well to his recovery and may even make a competitive appearance in spring.

Group 1 winner Mourinho has taken well to his recovery from a severe tendon injury. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Group 1 winner Mourinho has taken well to his recovery from a severe tendon injury. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Mourinho has been the stable star for Gelagotis through his entire racing career so far; posting an impressive eleven wins and ten minors through forty-two competitive starts since debuting in 2010; highlighted by a barnstorming performance for success in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) in the spring of 2015.

Gelagotis immediately feared the worst when the eight-year-old pulled up lame following his run for third in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) on February 27th, but told Racing Ahead he has been thrilled with the way the Oratorio gelding has taken to recovery.

“Whether we make it in the right timeframe to kick off in the PB Lawrence like last time remains to be seen,” Gelagotis said.

“His next scan is due in the next seven to days and that’s really going to determine where we go from here.

“He’s been passively kicking along on the treadmill at home and I couldn’t be happier with him.

“Whether we can get there in the right time, otherwise we might catch something later in the spring.

“It wasn’t as bad as we initially thought it was, but when it happens you get down in the dumps pretty quick. We did have a great run with the horse, but pretty minor, he’s rehabbing well and there’s no reason for him not to have another prep.”

Mourinho capped a consistent 2014 campaign a credible seventh in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) in late spring and undoubtedly returned to racing in career-best form in 2015; beginning with a first-up win as a $51 chance in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m).

Progressing to third in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m), Mourinho charged home to win the Peter Young Stakes but failed to make anything of an impact when finishing 13th in his major target; the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m).

Resuming in spring for success in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m), the gelding out of Benevolent placed sixth in the Group 2 Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) in his only other start prior to the Underwood Stakes, and ended his campaign a forgettable 12th in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m).

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.