After more than a year on the sidelines, Group 1 Queensland Derby hero Warmonger is set to make his return to the races on Oaks Day at Flemington.
It was disappointing news for connections last year when our stayer suffered a tendon injury that brought his campaign to an abrupt end. Having established himself as one of the country’s most promising stayers, there were high hopes for his future, but his racing career was put on hold to allow him the time needed to make a full recovery.
Warmonger made the headlines with a breathtaking performance in the 2024 Group 1 Queensland Derby, where he demolished his rivals by 10.4 lengths. It was the largest winning margin in an Australian Group 1 race since Might And Power claimed the Queen Elizabeth Stakes by 10.5 lengths in 1998.
Under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, the son of War Decree has amassed over $1.1 million in prizemoney. Alongside his Derby triumph, his career highlights include a Listed TAB Trophy victory, runner-up finishes in the Group 1 South Australian Derby and Listed Port Adelaide Guineas, and a fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes. He had three runs in the autumn before the injury occurred, highlighted by a 2nd placing in the Listed Randwick City Stakes.
The road back has been a carefully managed one. He completed his rehabilitation with Matthew Williams in Warrnambool before progressing into a treadmill fitness program. This is a safe way to train a horse returning from a tendon injury, as it allows for controlled exercise on an even surface, helping him gradually rebuild his strength and fitness while minimising unnecessary strain on the tendon.
He returned to the Price Kent stable in mid-July, where the team has taken a patient approach to his preparation, focusing on a steady increase in workload, and reports throughout his preparation have been very positive. Blake Shinn, who partnered Warmonger to his memorable Queensland Derby victory, has been aboard for each of his three trials and was pleased with how he handled them:
“He’s going good. His action is very good and he’s ready to go to the races. He’s had a good foundation. A mile is a good starting point, then we can just get him up in trip.”
Warmonger wins his Caulfield trial
Michael Kent Jnr was equally enthusiastic following his most recent trial, providing an encouraging update on Warmonger’s condition.
“He couldn’t be better. He’s 100% sound and his legs are crispy clean. He looks excellent and we’re ready to head to the races.”
All going to plan, Warmonger will make his comeback on Cup week in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Thursday, November 5.
While the mile is short of his preferred distance, it provides an ideal starting point as he works his way back towards longer trips. The Group 3 Eclipse Stakes, three weeks later, is the likely next target, provided he comes through his return in good order.
It’s been a long road back for our Queensland Derby winner but we’re delighted to see him ready to make his return.