Win puts retirement plans on hold

CONNECTIONS of Jogalong Blue hope he can end the season in the same manner in which he started it.

On the verge of being retired, Jogalong Blue broke a nine-month drought from the winners’ circle at Club Menangle yesterday.

Rewind to the start of the year, however, and the Troy Williams-trained gelding was in top form with four wins and two placing from his first six starts of the season.

Struggling during the interim, Jogalong Blue was all but heading to a retirement paddock according to Williams.

“He’s an absolute headache,” Williams said. “He just doesn’t pace well, but when he puts it together, he’s good.

“The fact he was back to a suitable grade yesterday certainly made a big difference as he hasn’t been in that class since February and that’s when he was winning.

“I was ready to retire him a couple of weeks ago, so he may have earned a reprieve for now.”

With Robbie Morris in the cart, Jogalong Blue worked overtime in the ‘death seat’ on his way to a six-and-a-half metre win from Halloween.

Dancing With My Ex was four metres away third as the winner covered the mile in 1:54.2.

“It was good to get another win from him,” Williams said. “With a bit of luck he may get another one or two before the end of the season.

“After that, he’ll most likely be retired.”