Gwydion Recovering Well From Freak Accident

PREMIER trainer Steve White has had a mixed few days, almost losing star bitch Gwydion, but bouncing back with some brilliant winning performances by kennel-mates.

Gwydion (Fernando Bale-Rhonda Rocks), a litter sister to White's champion Sennachie, smashed a leg at Sandown last Thursday and had to undergo a major operation at the weekend.

Then, White bounced back when his Launching Pad winner Tauwitchere (Dyna Double One-Irish Keepsake) won a Sale 650 metre event in a scorching 37.19 on Sunday.

New kennel arrival, former Queenslander Cha Cha Charlie, was a great second in a near record 24.48 behind Zambora Lion at Sale as well.

And, litter brothers Paua Of Oscar and Paua Of Jewels (My Bro Fabio-Paua To Admit) have been sensational in a handful of starts in recent weeks.

“It was a one in a million accident,” White said of the tragic incident which has halted Gwydion's racing career.

“She badly broke her tibia and what I would call her ankle,” said Steve.

“We had to be referred to a professor from Colorado University in the US who is at Moorabbin now. He did a marvelous job putting her back together.”

But Gwydion will have to be confined for the next two months to allow the injury to fully heal.

“She is such a lovely and quiet bitch,” said Steve. “We have a kennel inside our home for her to help in the recovery.”

White said he made the choice while the virus was spreading throughout Australian kennels recently to give his team four weeks break from racing.

“Tauwitchere has come back particularly well and I will now step her up to 700 metre racing,” he said.

“The Sandown Cup is coming up soon. Her win at Sale was a pretty hot run.”

He is also very keen on the future of Group 2 Queensland Derby finalist Cha Cha Charlie.

“It took him a while to settle in down here but his trials and those first-up couple of runs have been very good,” said Steve.

“He will keep improving.”

But White has special hopes for youngsters Paua Of Oscar and Paua Of Jewels.

“Paua Of Oscar equaled the track record at Warragul at his third race start, while Paua Of Jewels is unbeaten in two runs and has twice broken track records in trials,” he said.

“And, they will have to step up soon because their run home times are amazing.”