Comeback: Trainer/Driver Darrel Graham is looking forward to the return of talented pacer Major Montana
Remember Major Montana? Sure you do.
A precocious talent who flashed brilliance in his two Albion Park starts for his trainer/driver Darrel Graham before a tendon injury to his nearside front derailed all major targets last season.
The Dean Shannon owned and bred gelding is unbeaten in Queensland winning both the Paleface Adios Classic and the Brisbane heat of the Australian Pacing Gold for two-year-old colts and geldings at Albion Park.
His early education and racing was carried out in New South Wales with respected horseman Mick Formosa which netted two unplaced efforts at TABCORP Park, Menangle and Newcastle before being transferred back to Graham.
Now, he’s back and nearing a trial return in the coming weeks after spending time with Mother Nature during the winter.
“He’s coming up really well and he’ll trial in the next couple of weeks all going to plan, he enjoyed his time out and the leg looks as good as one can hope for with this type of injury. Luckily, we picked it up quite early and shut him down immediately before any serious damage was done and the operation was hailed a success.” Graham said.
A strapping colt with size on his side, the decision was made during his time away to also geld the Art Major – Sweet Kelly Marie youngster.
After months of a meticulous preparation, Major Montana is back at full power and Graham is looking forward to making up for lost time with home grown talent.
“He’s always been a natural and that’s the reason we sent him south to Mick so he could target those early season features before bringing home for the QBRED features at Albion Park but his injury ruined our plans.
“He was just coming into his own when the injury popped up and obviously we never considered pushing ahead hence the operation followed by a decent spell was the best option for him.
“He looks magnificent and having him gelded was a smart move because he’s continued to grow both sideways and height wise. We’ll give him a couple of trials before looking at race return because it’s a busy season ahead with so many features available.”
Connections will consider most features including interstate targets while the local features remain a priority.
The return of Major Montana adds further depth to the QBRED features with talented types A Good Chance and Jack Malone also back in work with their respective connections.
