Spring return tipped for War Affair

Former Singapore Horse of the Year War Affair is making quiet progress toward a spring return to racing. The injury-troubled New Zealand-bred son of the late O’Reilly hasn’t raced for nearly a year and is making his come-back under the guidance of expatriate Kiwi trainer Bruce Marsh.

“We brought him back in work about six weeks ago, and started off with mostly slow uphill work,” he said. “It’s only recently that he’s come back on the main training tracks. He’s started doing pace work and is coming along nicely. He’s loving it!”

Marsh said the five-year-old’s extra pounds don’t actually reflect a lack of fitness. “He’s always been a big boy, and he’s about 30kg up, which is normal as it’s been 12 months since he raced,” he said. “But I would say it’s not fat. He’s just kept growing and it’s all good muscular mass.”

Marsh said he had not exactly mapped out a path for the multiple Group One winner. “I haven’t quite looked through the programme, but on the way he is progressing, I would say he would be back in September. A race like the Jumbo Jet Trophy is an option, but it’s too early to tell. We’ll play it by ear.”