O’Shea back on track in Sydney

THERE was a number of smiling O’Shea’s around the Far North yesterday as John O’Shea trained his first starter in over three months at Canterbury.

The Mareeba-bred O’Shea spent just over 14 weeks away from the track after his shock split with world racing giants Godolphin in May of this year.

O’Shea was based at Randwick before his three-year stint with Godolphin and is now again basing himself at the Sydney track as he plots his comeback in the game.

He had two horses nominated yesterday at Canterbury Park, with Excelsior scratched and Parlay Vous running a solid race over 1250m with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle.

Parlay Vous figured in running but faded late as favourite Lubiton claimed the race.

Excelsior will instead line up at Gosford today.

O’Shea’s father, Mareeba’s Bernie O’Shea, said he was proud to see his son back.

“It is going to take some time for him to get started again,” Bernie said.

“We are happy and pleased to see John back training horses again.”

The former North Queensland trainer is eager to return to life as a Randwick trainer with a bang.

“I’m still learning a little about Parlay Vous and to me he is probably one run away from having his coat where it needs to be,” O’Shea said.

“But his runs this time in have been good in probably a bit stronger grade.

“He probably appreciates having his runs spaced and he looks to box seat nicely and it looks a race he can be competitive in if he runs up to his form.”

O’Shea pleaded not guilty to two charges issued against him in the Godolphin strangles inquiry and is still awaiting a decision from stewards on those charges.

In local racing, Innisfail will stage a six-race meeting for their “Banana Day Races” this Saturday afternoon with the $10,000 Open Handicap over the 1800m trip the feature.