Astute horseman Darrel Graham is back.
After sitting patiently on the sidelines for the past four months owing to a nasty leg break sustained in a race fall at Redcliffe on May 18, Graham immediately returned to the winners circle.
The widely respected conditioner gained a medical clearance on Tuesday afternoon and went straight back to work today (Thursday) and landed a victory with Cheers Kathy leading throughout in the Book Now Qld Harness Racing Awards Night 30 October Pace.
The triumph went a long way to erasing the painful memories from that fateful night.
“It’s a good day, it’s nice to be back out there and landing a winner in my first drive back is the boost that you need when recovering from a setback like I did. It was the worst injury I’ve encountered in my time in this sport and while I was increasingly frustrated at times, I never thought about not returning.” Graham said.
With a book of three drives today, Graham will step it up across the weekend at Albion Park.
Graham will take one drive on Friday with Rubys Bad Boy while he has almost a full book at the metropolitan card on Saturday night.
He is listed for 8 drives.
A driving force in the comeback for Graham is the milestone that is fast approaching, Graham is closing is on the 2000 career victories.
“It’s something that’s been in the back of my mind for some time, the injury obviously derailed my plains as far as time is concerned but it’s nice to be back on the track and I’ll keep chipping away until I get there.
“It means little in the big scale of things but it’s something that I’m proud of and I’m keen to join that club of drivers with 2000 plus career victories. Harness racing is my life and I’m proud of my achievements in this game.
“The family support has been unbelievable, the fact that Linda, Brittany and Steph have been with me every step of the way during this unfortunate time is something I’ll cherish forever because they’ve carried quite a burden. Adam (Sanderson) has also been a pillar of strength and his role won’t be forgotten either. I’m proud of everyone involved in my stable.”
Graham has nominated Major Montana as his best chance on Saturday night.
The big striding Art Major gelding backs up following his victory on Wednesday night at Redcliffe from stand start conditions when handled by Brittany.
Punters will need to be patient, Major Montana starts in the final race and will start from the inside gate in the 1660m mobile start event.
