Bandi’s Boy and the Value of Patience with Talent in Horse Racing

Bandi’s Boy, our four-year-old The Brother’s War gelding trained at Goulburn, has recently claimed victory in a 1200 Highway race Royal Randwick, marking a significant milestone in his career and a journey back to the winners’ circle.

Battling a severe tendon injury that kept him off the tracks for over a year, Bandi’s Boy’s return to form showcases the enduring value of maintaining faith in horses’ ability and the unwavering dedication and patience of the DWR team to allow horses the time and recovery they need to overcome setbacks. 

Despite possessing obvious ability- demonstrated by his admirable effort in the G3 Kindergaten Stakes on debut and subsequent win of an 1100m 2YO Handicap at Randwick at his second start- it has been noted that the gelding is ‘far from being a natural racehorse’.

Danny, well-known for his natural horsemanship, has patiently nurtured Bandi’s Boy not only through his slow learning curve and tendency to lose focus during crucial moments in his early races, but meeting his physical needs during his injury rehabilitation and return to full race strength. 

The horse’s recent win at Royal Randwick comes as a testament to the perseverance of both the trainer and the horse, and is underscored by the vital contribution of Danny’s measured approach to managing the horse and facilities the stable has on disposal such as our recovery spa. 

John Woods, the dedicated owner of Bandi’s Boy, has remained a constant source of support throughout the challenging journey. 

Bred by Woods, Bandi’s Boy’s story has been one that has brought many doubts.

Firstly with the loss of his dam Tibidabo shortly after his foaling, the gelding’s waywardness in his early racecraft, his subsequent injury and road to recovery and a first up run this preparation that involved mistakes in the starting barriers and further losses of concentration in the run.

Underneath this all were some impressive closing 600m sectionals and when returning to the Country only company of the Highway with the application of winkers and good execution by jockey Jay Ford, the talent shone through and Bandi’s Boy won his second race from only five starts.

This ordered up Highway win number 25.5 for DWR and solidifies the stable’s spot as second most successful Highway trainer in the series to date. 

There is clearly more development to come and the long range plan for Bandi’s Boy is to chase after the millions of dollars on offer in the Country Championships in Sydney this coming Autumn.

Photo credit: Bradley Photos