IT'S amazing to see Pale Face Jo even racing after a horrific leg injury, but not only has he bounced back to full health, he's found himself in the winner's circle.
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As owner Billy Kitt gets ready to send the five-year-old over to Parkes for this Sunday's meeting he'll be doing so still on a high from the gelding's first career win at Bathurst last week.
Kitt and trainer Nathan Turnbull put in day after day nursing Pale Face Jo back to health after he almost bled to death in a stable accident.
And not only was he soon back racing, but at odds of $23 he scored an unlikely win when charging down Valenteeno right on the post under the guidance of Doug Hewitt.
"It was the best feeling ever after what I've been through with the horse," Kitt said, celebrating his first win as an owner.
"It's hard to believe he's still racing but for him to come out and win was unbelievable. All the hours we put into him paid off."
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Kitt had grave fears for Pale Face Jo when he found him collapsed in the stable.
"I'd been away playing footy in Sydney ... and when I came back I found him laying there in the stable, saw a massive cut on his leg and blood everywhere. We got the vet out, and he'd ended up getting a star picket straight through his leg," he said.
"Somehow it didn't end up hitting his tendons but the infection was pretty bad and they ended up putting him on a drip and he rose from the dead."
Kitt and Turnbull chase two on the trot when Pale Face Jo goes around in the Our Antonia Rose Pace (1,660 metres).
Kitt knows it's a step up for his gelding but is excited to see how he handles the track.
"Nathan said his work's been solid. It's a tougher race, but that's when happens when you win," he said.
"We're not sure how he'll handle it on the Parkes track, but he works well on The Lagoon track and that's only small.He should make a good account of himself."
Dubbo trainers Lex Bramble, John Lew, Brad Peisley, Greg Pay, and Jacqui Ingham all have hopes in at Parkes.
Racing starts at 1.03pm on Sunday.
Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
