In some ways the forgotten star of standardbred racing,Akuta, is preparing to trial next week at Pukehohe.
Racing plans however, are much further in the future.
Akuta has been based at Matamata with Mark for a lengthy time involving surgery and recuperation from a tendon injury after he chopped down on the leg in training on the eve of a trip to Australia for a Hunter Cup campaign early last year. He has not raced since December 2023 and it could be well into 2025 before he faces the starter under race conditions again.
Nathan said that while the healing from the injury-which would have caused retirement for many horses-has gone ahead of expectations, patience is still the byword.
“He will have a trial and then about three weeks out for further recovery. The NZ Cup is still pencilled in as a hopeful target but nobody is getting carried away yet”
However Nathan said Dr Barbara Hunter of the Matamata Equine Centre, partner of Mark, was pleased with the xrays of the troubled leg indicating a full recovery is possible.
“Her recommendation was to have a trial now and give him the opportunity to get through that with a rest period and go from there.That is what we will do”
Akuta was a budding superstar through his early career through to winning the Auckland Cup at four in May 2023.He was outstanding at two and three with some superb performances when trained by Hayden Cullen and later in partnership with Mark. His 2023 spring campaign included the Ashburton Flying Stakes and Kaikoura Cup before seconds in the New Zealand Cup and Free for All both in the shadows of the post..It was after his third off 30m in the Franklin Cup in his first start since the November carnival that the injury occurred.
Bred by Paul and Pauline Renwick in Canterbury he was raced originally in partnership by Mark and the late Ian Dobson the partnership now with Cullen Breeding with members of Ian’s family.
Mark ,who has stuck firmly to the advice of experts such as Barbara throughout the recovery process,had earlier indicated that if all went well with the trial a light campaign leading up to November would be the next step.In an incredible Cup training career,Mark has proven the master of producing winners on light campaigns.
Meanwhile Nathan was celebrating the deserved success of Vessem in the Superstar final, along with a loyal band of owners and driven by erstewhile stable stalwart Olivia Thornley who had earned headlines in 2023 driving Akuta.
“It was a great result.He has had so much bad luck and things going wrong in races we targeted that to win a Group race puts him back on track”
The training skills of Michael and Alison who have been handling what is left of the southern team are also acknowledged.
“There are four down there still and at least two will soon be headed north so it is gradually going to plan.I am very happy with how it is shaping up here and its onwards and upwards now” Nathan said