Handy mare breaks long drought

HANDY mare Courts Bliss broke a long drought from the winners’ circle just moments ago.

Proving too good in Maryborough, Courts Bliss registered her first success since scoring in Swan Hill on September 30, 2021.

In the nine-year-old’s defence, she did spend 15 months on the sidelines due to injury.

“She had a crack in her proximal phalanx, which is known as P1, in her off hind leg,” trainer Steven Branson said.

“I gave her plenty of time off, more than the vet recommended, for her to get over it just to be safe.

“After that she had a slow build up to get fit and healthy again.”

Having her eighth outing along the comeback trail, Courts Bliss was settled midfield from her second row draw as Stellar Queen led from the pole.

Outsprinting her rivals during the latter stages, the daughter of Blissfull Hall completed a metre-and-a-half win from Malava Miss, with Summerhill a metre-and-a-half away third.

Driven a treat by James Herbertson, Courts Bliss rated 2:01.7 over 2190 metres.

“I was confident she would at least finish in the top three as it wasn’t a very strong field,” Branson said. “I knew she was ready to win, in fact, I thought she could win her last start in Albury, so it wasn’t a surprise to see her get up.

“I was looking at racing her in Shepparton next but she’s not eligible for that race now, so I will have to rethink my plans.”