Dolendo comeback continues
MARLON Dolondo's incredible return to racing continues with the jockey leading Storm Fabulador to victory in the Ken Howard Cup at Coffs Harbour Racing Club.
Since returning from 14 months out of the saddle in March following a kidney transplant, Dolendo has shown he's still got it following today's Sportsman's Race Day win.
The John Everson trained six year-old ran a controlled race sitting comfortably in the pack before giving it everything over the final straight to pip Red Celtique by one and a quarter lengths.
"He kept exactly to his pattern of racing and did everything to plan," Everson said
"He has a lovely 200 metre sprint and it got the job done today.
"I couldn't have asked for a better ride and after a big 18 month lead up the win is a major relief."
Everson always knew Dolendo was the man to guide his horse to victory as the Ballina based trainer had seen for himself what the talented jockey could do.
"Marlon won the Lismore Cup for me two years ago as a 33-1 outsider and ever since I have always enjoyed working with him," he said.
"Unfortunately Marlon has had his health problems but since his return it is great to see him finding plenty of success.
"I was looking to give him a ride a few weeks back at Grafton but the race was called off so I decided to hold off two weeks and bring him to Coffs Harbour and the rest is history.
"The decision paid off and I couldn't be happier."