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Comeback complete! Prince Turbo returns from tendon injury to win Eurythmic Stakes at Ascot

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Jay RooneyThe West Australian
Prince Turbo wins the 2022 Eurythmic Stakes for jockey Chris Parnham.
Camera IconPrince Turbo wins the 2022 Eurythmic Stakes for jockey Chris Parnham. Credit: Simon Merritt/Simon Merritt / Western Racepix

Emotions boiled over when Prince Turbo capped a miraculous comeback from another tendon injury to win the $100,000 Eurythmic Stakes (2200m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Connections were in tears after their patience through the rising nine-year-old’s multiple setbacks paid off.

The talented stayer spent the best part of two years away from the racetrack twice and trainer Jason Miller was convinced the latest injury in 2020 would end his racing career.

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However, Prince Turbo’s owners wanted to give him a shot at returning and he went one better in the Eurythmic after a strong second in the Diggers Cup (1800m) first-up.

“It’s been a long road,” Miller said.

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“He’s done it a couple of times. When you’ve got tendons it’s disappointing and to be honest, I didn’t want him back in work.

“But for the Cowcher boys, it means a lot to them because Denis who was in the horse passed away, so it’s a bit sentimental to them.

“They’re just champion fellas. As you can see it’s pretty emotional for them all and they’re really happy.

Prince Turbo won an emotional Eurythmic Stakes for jockey Chhris Parnham and trainer Jason Miller.
Camera IconPrince Turbo won an emotional Eurythmic Stakes for jockey Chhris Parnham and trainer Jason Miller. Credit: Simon Merritt/Simon Merritt / Western Racepix

“It’s a bit of a fairytale.”

Ridden by Chris Parnham, Prince Turbo ($5.50) stormed home from second last on the turn to beat Brother Paddy ($15) by half a length. Marocchino ($8) was third ahead of the $3.80 favourite, Tena Koutou.

Clint Johnston-Porter, the regular rider of Prince Turbo who jumped off to ride Tena Koutou, was one of the first people to congratulate Miller and connections after the win.

“I’ve seen horses do tendons and never fire a shot again,” Miller said.

“If you had a look at his legs you’d shake your head and think ‘he’ll never race again’.

“We’ve taken every measure, I said to the boys I didn’t want to push him because if he broke down it would break our hearts. He’s going well and it’s awesome.”

Trainer Simon Miller had a day to remember with a treble, including a first ever Saturday trifecta led by rising star It’sarayday.

In his much-anticipated return, It’sarayday made the Amelia Park Handicap (1100m) a one-act affair when he scored by 1-1/2 lengths from stablemates Liwa and Seberate.

Progressive three-year-olds Lexington City and Above The Peg also won for Miller, with Patrick Carbery booting home each of his three winners.

Prince Turbo darts to the lines to win the 2022 Eurythmic Stakes.
Camera IconPrince Turbo darts to the lines to win the 2022 Eurythmic Stakes. Credit: Sharyn Walker/Sharyn Walker / Western Racepix

“To get a trifecta on a Saturday, it’s pretty special,” Miller said.

“I’ve got a beautiful program mapped out for It’sarayday and hopefully he can keep winning.

“Above The Peg might be a Belmont Guineas horse.”

Tony Triscari made a comeback of his won, preparing his first winner in 22 years when Premium Choice won the TABtouch Westspeed Platinum Handicap (1000m).

“I decided to get my licence back about five years ago and it took my five years to actually get off my bum and do it,” Triscari said.

“I’ve been involved with horses since I was 12 years old. I’ve been busy working at Dave Harrison’s (stable).”

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