NOG2001 Template
24 November, 2004
Former champion juvenile pacer Franco Heir has joined the stables
of astute Melton duo Maree and John Caldow.
Owner Bob Proberts has transferred the giant seven-year-old from
his private trainer, Matthew Purcell, in a bid to resurrect the injury-plagued gelding's
career.
"It was a bit of a surprise, but if we can get him back
right he's up there with the best of them," regular pilot John
Caldow said.
"He's only just arrived so he'll have a light week and
then we'll starting gearing up for some of the better races over Summer."
The addition of Franco Heir is some minor compensation for the
Caldows who bid an emotional farewell to stable star Nolarama last weekend when
she retired after suffering another atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
in the Ladyship Mile.
A winner of the NZ Sires Stakes Final and NSW Derby at three, Franco
Heir has suffered a series of setbacks throughout his career and has
never reached his full potential.
Under the guidance of Martin Herbert he re-emerged as a serious force 15
months ago winning five of six starts before finishing second to Persistency in
the Group 1 Kilmore Cup.
The training duties were handed to Purcell earlier this year when
Herbert was disqualified following positive swabs returned by two of his stable
runners.
