Hand injuries rarely lead to upsides, though for independent trainer Sharryn Livingstone, a break opened the avenue to a training career.
Confined to training just four or five horses maximum, results are paramount, sparking buzz over Click Click Boom resuming at Ipswich on Thursday.
Back after a September absence, Click Click Boom enters the Schweppes Benchmark 65 Handicap for the 800-metre test.
“He hasn’t had a jumpout or trial but I did that last prep as well,” Livingstone said.
“I think he is going to be a better horse this prep so we’ll give him this little race over 800 and set plot a path for him.
“He really improved last prep and I feel that he’ll do that again. He’s a smart horse who doesn’t waste energy as he’s not gifted with the best front legs but he’s sound.
“If he was in a bigger stable, he may not have been given the time but time and patience has been the main thing.”
Secured for $27,000 from the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale, the Queensland Spirit Of Boom gelding has rewarded his trainer handsomely with three successes and five podium finishes in 13 goes.
Only one poor finish outside the quartets for this ratings improver, peaking at 94 via Racing and Sports at Gold Coast.
Livingstone’s 170th starter, Click Click Boom aligns with her 14% win record and 42% placing stats.
From a lineage of trainers, Sharryn’s primary work was part-time track riding paired with another position, upended by a 2020 fractured hand.
“I hadn’t worked in a stable before, but when I had the injury I thought I should retire from track riding,” Livingstone added.
“When I got a horse called Heart Vanderlay, that’s when I thought I might as well become a trainer. I was winging it learning off other trainers and for now it is working.”Justin Stanley rides Click Click Boom fresh from his own injury recovery, absent since last July.
Discover the best betting sites offering value on Click Click Boom in the Schweppes Benchmark 65 Handicap over 800m at Ipswich.