It had been a long 455 day wait between runs for the very talented 3 year old colt The Novelist, trained by the Waterhouse / Bott stable. After commencing his early 2 year old career in late 2022, where he won 2 from 2 including the Group 3 BJ McLachlan Stakes, he was one of the favourites heading to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January 2023. Unfortunately he sustained a leg injury which sidelined him for over 12 months.  His recovery was very carefully and patiently managed by the team at Hannover lodge. 

He came into work a few months back, and was progressing beautifully with his work, and all the signs were that he was back on track. He trialled impressively ... and on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill, he contested the listed Darby Munro Stakes over 1200m with Tim Clark in the saddle. He flew the gates and led the field impressively, and at one stage in the straight, looked like he could win - but was run down in the closing stages to finish 4th, only 1.2 lengths from the winner.

 A large. all-ladies ownership group was on track to watch his return and cheer him on. "He is back !", said James Moss, Director of Tricolours. "He was such an exciting 2 year old, and terrible luck that he sustained the injury which kept him out of racing all this time. Absolutely delighted to see him back with such great heart and wanting to compete. Honestly would have just been happy to see him go around and finish back in the field, knowing he would take huge fitness benefit from the run given his long absence. Someone clearly forgot to tell him that!"

Plans are currently being made for his next start, with some big Autumn Carnival targets in mind.