Emotional rollercoaster

WHAT has been an emotional rollercoaster with promising young trotter Jays All That came to a happy pit stop in Melton last night.

Named after trainer Tyrone Abela's late father Joseph, Jays All That has been plagued by setbacks, including spending two stints at death's door.

As a weanling Jays All That suffered a severe bout of pneumonia before dislocating his fetlock a couple of months after being nursed back to health.

Showing no ill-effects from his ordeals, the son of Elite Stride captured the Australian Pacing Gold Final for colts and geldings, giving Abela plenty of reasons to celebrate

"He was born a week after my father died, so he was the first thing to put a smile on my face," Abela said. "Dad's name is Joseph John, so JJ.

"He has been a lot of work and stress though as he nearly died twice!

"He got pneumonia as a weanling and spent two weeks in intensive care, then not long after he was back in action, he dislocated his fetlock and was facing the prospect of being put down.

"The concern was his joint would fuse and he wouldn't be able to move properly, but we thought we'd try to save him, which ended up with him in a cast for three months and nine months rehab.

"It certainly hasn't been an easy road, but he is a lovely horse and remains very special to us."

With Jodi Quinlan in the cart, Jays All That led throughout from barrier five to score by two metres from Im Havintotrot, with Kyvalley Rambler 22 metres away third.

"I am rapt with him," Abela said. "This is a sentimental win for a lot of reasons.

"Along with the connection to Dad and the troubles the horse has had, this is my biggest win, so it is a huge thrill."