Injury almost ended feature's winners career before it began

WINNING a Home Grown Final in Melton is a phenomenal result for Kvintet Hill considering his career was almost over before it began.

Showing a bit of potential while being broken-in, the youngster escaped his yard and went for a run only to get caught in a fence.

Shocked at the sight of the gelding's leg, owner Brad Angove immediately thought the worst.

"He got his leg caught in a fence and was cut that badly, I thought he would never race," Angove said. "His leg looked awful and I figured it would put an end to his chance of hitting the track.

"I started wrapping and cleaning it every day for months and thankfully it healed over.

"To this day it has never worried him, which is something I wouldn't have guessed at the time."

Fast forward last Friday and Kvintet Hill registered his second win from nine starts by proving too good in the $25,000 classic.

With Ryan Duffy holding the reins, the son of Kvintet Avenger began quickly to find the front from barrier four before being eased to take a trail behind the favourite, Exasperation, which worked to the lead from gate five.

Angled away from the pegs leaving the back straight, Kvintet Hill completed a four-metre win from Wallis, with El Bravo 10 metres away third.

"Ryan said he felt strong all along, and when he pulled him out, he knew he was the winner," Angove said. "He's still learning as he goes, but he has come a long way this preparation.

"Last time in he played up, got a bit out of control and was headstrong, so I turned him out, but since he came back he has been a different horse.

"He's very relaxed and will do anything you want him to do."