In what could be a major boost for all of harness racing, champion filly ,MILLWOOD NIKE, is to return to work at the end of June hopefully headed for a spring campaign as a four year old.
“She has passed all her scans with flying colours and we are looking forward to having her back with us” Nathan said
Millwood Nike,the reigning Horse of the Year, has been off the scene since December last year when she suffered a small tendon tear which took her out of Oaks contention at $1.40 and threatened her entire career. There were anxious days until further scans revealed the damage was repairable with suitable therapy but with no timeline on her return to racing,if at all.
Like Akuta “Nike” has made the most of her recovery time with happy results though Akuta will have his full “year off” in spite of his flying colours pass on his latest scan.
“It will be a patient buildup but it looks as though it is possible she could be back racing in the spring” Nathan said.
It is a timely result for Purdon Racing with Akuta’s absence and the decision to retire Self Assured after his second in the Auckland Cup trying to win the race for the third time. It is also great news for owners Steve Byrne,Steve Thompson,Bruce Irvine and Frank and Shane Endacott who handled some very bad,potentially heartbreaking news with an impressive show of sportsmanship.
Millwood Nike’s record of 17 undefeated races makes her one of the greatest of many superstar fillies who have built up imposing records since the advant of Sires Stakes and Harness Millions Sales Finals- arguably the best of all. It will be tougher for her as an older horse starting with a 90 Rating but little doubt that a fit Millwood Nike would add a lot of interest to a lot of important races. Before she went amiss Nathan was on record as considering a New Zealand Cup attempt as a four year old, a tribute to the regard in which she is held.
Punters can only look back on her debut against a moderate field as a two year old in May 2022 when she paid $3.75 in spite of a late betting surge. beating 100 race starter Olive Cook with Olivia Thornley doing the honours.
Many regard her magnificent win in the Nevele R Final by six lengths clocking 2.20.4 after covering a lot of extra ground as one of best age group performances at Addington in modern times.
Pic; Shane Endicott,Steve Thompson,Steve Byrne and Frank Endacott on Awards night (absent Bruce Irvine)