Ossie not so bad in Hygain Edge Pace

A WINTER break has worked wonders for man and beast given the result of last night's Hygain Edge Pace in Melton.

Prioritising time away each year, astute horseman Stephen O'Donoghue also sends his horses to a paddock, which in 2025, began in mid-winter and ended mid-spring.

"Getting time away is important, which you realise as you get older," O'Donoghue said. "We aim for 12 weeks off a year.

"It's not 12-straight weeks, but more of a weekend here and a longer holiday there.

"When we took off in winter, the horses were also on holiday and it worked out nicely for all involved."

Runner-up during his first two starts from a five-month break, Big Bad Ossie sustained a strong three-wide run to register his first success since scoring at the same venue last April.

"Coming out as early as he did last night is not his cup of tea, as he is more of a sit and sprint type, but he did well to keep coming," O'Donoghue said.

With Ryan Sanderson in the cart, Big Bad Ossie was settled towards the tail of the field from his second row draw before being angled three-wide along the back straight.

Digging deep, the gelding completed a three-and-a-half metre win from King Saint, with Rosberg a head away third.

One of the oldest bred pacers in Australia, Big Bad Ossie - although only seven - is by former leading sire Life Sign, which died in 2014!

Life Sign was foaled in 1990.