Inspirational horseman close to milestone

INSPIRATIONAL horseman Josh Powderly had “no idea” he is closing in on a personal milestone.

Following his victory with Highview Bonnie at Club Menangle yesterday, Powderly’s training tally sits at 99 wins, which came as a surprise to the 47-year-old.

Reaching the ton will be a “pretty satisfying” moment for Powderly, who appeared destined to never train again following a workplace accident.

In January 2022 Powderly fell through a roof, which resulted in a broken back and the need for a wheelchair.

“I had no idea I was close to a century,” Powderly said. “After I had my accident I didn’t know if I’d ever train again, so to be on the verge of 100 wins is pretty satisfying.

“The accident left me with very limited use of my legs, but I can do most of the things I have always done, I’ve just got to find different ways to do it.

“I am improving. For example, the other day I walked 220 metres holding on to my physio’s hand wearing a KFO, which is like a splint, to re-train my legs.

“I will never get back to where I was, but all the specialists believe I will continue to improve…you’ve got to stay positive and get on with things.

“When the 100th win comes along we will celebrate. Although the horses are in my name my wife Chloe does so much of the work and has to get the credit too.

“Chloe and I have been fortunate in that we’ve got a good help base to get it all done.”

Driven by in-form reinsman Harrison Ross, Highview Bonnie covered the mile in 1:55 to capture a New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge heat as Atomik Go Anna and Your Shuffle filled the placings.

Owned by the Powderlys, the two-year-old took her record to two wins and four placings from 10 starts for earnings of $25,337.

“She is a nice filly, which has shown potential from the start,” Powderly said. “She’s just a rung below the top ones, but is capable of causing an upset in a big race if all the breaks went her way.

“First we have to get through the semis, but who knows, that upset may be in the Breeders’ Challenge Final.”