13-year-old Fails To Fire After 6 Years

Monday, 30 November -0001 00:00

Greybeard galloper Blues Grandee failed in his bid to complete a fairytale comeback to the track when he weakened to finish at the tail of the field at Kyneton.

The 13-year-old was having his first start for 6-1/2 years and, ridden by veteran comeback jockey Graham Hartshorn for 88-year-old Cranbourne trainer Laurie Cleary, settled midfield in the Toohey's New Class 3 Hcp (1112m) before knocking up rounding the home turn.

Sentimental money was on the old stager who was paying $48.60 on SuperTab but started at 300-1 with bookmakers and finished 14 lengths from the winner, 13-8 favourite Maggie's Mate.

Blues Grandee, who won a race for Cleary at Burrumbeet on January 1, 1999, was having his 38th start and his first since February 1999 when he finished second at a picnic meeting at Woolamai.

Blues Grandee spent his retirement up "in the hills" before his new owner decided to resurrect his career and return the horse to Cleary to train.

"There is a lot to racing and sometimes a challenge like this comes up," Cleary said.

"He's a gorgeous horse but I don't think there is a big future for him.

"It's been the usual procedure with him except with a little more tender loving care."

Hartshorn last month at Warrnambool rode his first winner in 13 years after giving racing away and at Sandown on Sunday is hopeful of having his first city ride since returning to the saddle.