A smashed hand usually spells trouble, but for boutique trainer Sharryn Livingstone, it opened doors to establishing herself as a horse trainer.
Running a tiny operation limited to four or five horses in work, achievements are vital, and anticipation mounts for Click Click Boom’s track return at Ipswich this Thursday.
First start post-September, the gelding takes on the Schweppes Benchmark 65 Handicap in an 800-metre burst.
“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.”
Snapped up for $27,000 at the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale, Spirit Of Boom’s Queensland-bred gelding has upheld a strong record for Livingstone with three wins and five placings across 13 races.
He’s placed in the top four in all but one start, a fine effort for this upwardly mobile galloper who scaled to 94 on Racing and Sports figures at Gold Coast.
This will mark the 170th runner for Livingstone, who enjoys a 14% strike rate for victories and 42% for placings.
Hailing from a training family, Sharryn spent years as a part-time track rider holding down another job, until her 2020 hand break shifted gears.
“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.”
Returning jockey Justin Stanley, out since July last year due to injury, will steer Click Click Boom.
Head to the racing betting markets for competitive offers on Click Click Boom’s effort in the Ipswich Schweppes Benchmark 65 Handicap.
