Indicio’s hard-fought win following a tense duel in Sunday’s $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2&3YO) Community Stakes (1200m) was in many ways indicative of the same amazing fighting spirit of his ailing trainer Stephen Gray.
Edging past longshot Dragon Spirit (Olivier Placais) only in the closing stages to score by half-a-length, Indicio, who was at his second start, landed a win which was just the tonic Gray needed after undergoing a major surgery last week.
The Kiwi handler returned home after last Friday week’s races feeling unwell in the stomach, only for the condition to worsen into the night.
Gray was then sent to Gleneagles Hospital where a hernia in his intestines was diagnosed and necessitated surgery. The burly man, who had an operation of the stomach not too long ago, luckily recovered, and was discharged from hospital yesterday.
Standing in for her husband at the winner’s circle to lead in Sunday’s winner, wife Bridget (pictured) emotionally took in the accolades, and was clearly relieved Stephen had survived the drama as her voice shook at the post-race interview.
“It’s been a hard week for Stephen and me, and luckily we have good staff behind us. Matt (Lewis) has done a wonderful job with the horses and this winner today,” said Bridget.
“This one is for Stephen and I’m sure if he’s watching at home, he’d be jumping out of his bed!”
Bridget did not fail to pay tribute to the surgery team who saved her husband’s life, urologist Dr Jimmy Beng in particular.
“I’d like to thank Dr Jimmy Beng for the wonderful work he has done on Steve. He is the one who operated on him the last time as well and has since become a family friend to us,” she said.
“He had his operation on Tuesday and they opened up his intestines where they found hernia which was blocking the bowels.
“It was stuck to some of his scar tissue from his last operation. That’s why he had a lot of food inside which he could not get rid of.
“I’m just so relieved this did not happen now as he was meant to fly to the Sales tonight.
“Anyway, thank goodness the worst is over and this win is just the tonic he needed. For a big man, Steve has a very sensitive stomach and he’ll just need to look after it now.”
Jockey Vlad Duric, the winning rider aboard Indicio, also dedicated the win to Gray.
“You can’t imagine how glad I am to be able to ride a winner for Steve today, after the week he has been through,” said the Australian jockey.
“Steve has been one my biggest supporters from Day-1 and has also become a very good friend of mine. He and Bridget are two very wonderful persons.
“This horse has a lot of potential and just kept fighting all the way to the line. The way he kept giving everything I asked of him tells me he has a bit of a future here.”
Favourite ($17) Xin Treasure (Jose Verenzuela) could only finish third after having every chance in the running.
Indicio ($19), which means sign in Spanish, is a three-year-old by Ishiguru out of the Unbridled’s Song dam Blazing Bridles and cost NZ$170,000 as a yearling when purchased by Masa Otani of Big Valley Stable.
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