The training expertise of Peter Bain was never more evident when Hilltop Surfer won at Globe Derby Park on Monday, January 9.
Now a six-year-old mare, Hilltop Surfer resumed today not having raced for 1366 days, or if you like three years, eight months and 26 days, or perhaps 44 months and 26 days, then it was also 195 weeks and one day.
Bain, these days trains one or two of his own, but is a key part of the business of his son Aaron, with Aaron Bain Racing.
Hilltop Surfer has been a pet project for nearly four years.
Twice, the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere and San Sophia, has suffered tendon injuries forcing her to return to the paddock and let nature heal.
This preparation, Bain has used a treadmill machine to build up the mare’s fitness and get her ready for a return to racing.
Backed from $4.20 into $1.80 favourite, Hilltop Surfer, driven by Samantha Pascoe, led throughout from gate one in the Mitavite Studgro Pace (1800m).
Remember she was having her first run for nearly four years, Hilltop Surfer rated a sparkling 1:58.4, with a last half of 57.4 seconds winning by El Awoman ($3.40) by 11.2 metres with Aces Shadow ($5), 13.4 metres away third.
Owned by the matriarch of the Bain family, Val, the mare showed a lot of promise as a two-year-old, with two fourths and a fifth from three starts.
Each time, Hilltop Surfer showed good speed but was still immature.
Her last run was in a heat of the Golden Nursery Stakes at Victor Harbor, finishing fourth behind Hesashark, Wolf Of West Bay and Whatabro, beaten 8.6 metres but beating home Just Cappy and Miss Peggy ONeill.
Aaron Bain, principal of ABR, said he was very proud of his father’s training effort and praised his perseverance.
“Dad had her in the racing barn and used the swimming pool for about a month,” Bain said.
“But on this second comeback, he has had her on the treadmill for six months.
“It was true dedication, especially when you know that horses with tendon problems can be day-by-day propositions.
“To have Hilltop Surfer ready to win like she did today, running such smart time, without a trial, was a wonderful training performance.
“I hope she will give him and Nan (Val) more rewards on the track.”