Wild Fusion revitalises O’Loughlin

Liam O’Loughlin had planned to take some time off from training horses after his mare Prix D’Excellence collapsed and died in the stall area following the running of last year’s Golden Bracelet at the Albany Racing Club.

O’Loughlin will return to Percy Spencer Racecourse on Sunday for Albany’s first meeting of the new season, with a horse to his name.

Having acquired Wild Fusion in May, a number of owners who were a part of Prix D’Excellence have jumped into the ownership of O’Loughlin’s new stable runner.

Wild Fusion will start first-up in the $40,000 Country Championship Heat: The Road To Ascot (1230m), that headlines the eight-race program in Albany.

O’Loughlin said it was great to be back training after the heartbreaking circumstances of last year.

“Barry (Panizza) approached me and asked if I’d like to train or buy him,” O’Loughlin said.

“It wasn’t ideal timing because we were going to the UK but we did it. I didn’t think I would be training one this season, I was going to have a break but here we are.

“A few owners that were in Prix D’Excellence are in Wild Fusion so hopefully we get something back.”

Wild Fusion won three consecutive races last season in Steve Wolfe colours, two over 1600m, and O’Loughlin said the distance of Sunday’s first-up assignment will be the only problem.

“The plan was to go to town with him and this race mapped perfectly for that if he performs,” he said.

“It is right up his alley this country challenge and the only thing is it might be a bit short but he will run along and give a real sight.”

Leading hoop Mitchell Pateman links up with the five-year-old who has won five of 19 career starts.

A strong field has been assembled for the feature race with Lord Kronos and Read The Riot Act at the top of the weights with 60kg.

2018 Fitzpatrick Plater winner Long Knife, ex-Grant and Alana Williams galloper Universal Warrior and Ionyx are also entered.