Patience Is A Virtue
Monday, 05 January 2026It may be a paradox but in a sport like racing which is all about speed and quick instincts, patience is also a desirable trait.
The faster the better for racehorses whether it is blazing early speed or the ability to finish with a flourish. And jockeys need lighting reflexes to make the right split-second moves that win races.
However, when horses are injured or simply maturing at a steady rate, some of the top conditioners are renowned for not pushing them too hard/ too soon. These horsemen reckon a patient approach is better for the horse which is then given plenty of time to recuperate, strengthen up and grow into their frames. Slow and steady methods can lead to rewards for connections over time.
Take the case of Foudre, a very talented and well-bred horse by Fire Away ex Halfway to Heaven. He did a tendon, which for many is the end of their career, and has been bought back after two years off track.
He went amiss after racing on the 31st January 2024 and only returned after a lengthy rest in November 2025. Given the best of care and all the time needed in supportive environments, he has won both starts since coming back.
Trained by Eric Sands, who has a happy history with the progeny of Halfway to Heaven (Rainbow Bridge and Golden Ducat) Foudre may be able to belatedly fulfill his top division potential.
It all depends on if he stands up to the rigors of racing, and the severity of tendon issues means taking things carefully one workout and race at a time. That is the prudent approach to which Sands’ subscribes.
He is a fine horseman who would never do anything detrimental to the welfare of the thoroughbred in his care. Foudre has every opportunity of adding to his already remarkable comeback.
Though beating a mid-level Class 4 field, with the second horse Smarten Up perhaps an unlucky loser after a wide trip in a false run race, the gallant, Foudre is nevertheless a horse to cheer on through the Cape Summer.
