Racing: Howard returns bigger and stronger

Kirk Larsen could not contain himself when discussing the health of free-for-all pacing star Howard Bromac.

The 5-year-old had an eight-week break after a consistent season and returned to Larsen's Invercargill property in great condition.

"I've given Howard Bromac a month of jogging and it's the first time this horse has come back into training following a spell that I have liked what I've seen," said Larsen.

"He's put on plenty of condition and has bulked up and looks a lot stronger. He's the type of horse that usually doesn't do so well when he's given a break but I'm impressed with the way he looks at the moment.

"He's a slow maturing type and I think next season will see further improvement in his performances on the racetrack.

"I don't know if the improvement will be enough to bridge the gap between him and Elsu and Just An Excuse but I know he's definitely a lot stronger. This season was his first campaign in the free-for-all ranks and I wasn't sure how he'd measure up against the top horses.

"I was really happy with his performances to finish third in the New Zealand, Auckland and Hunter Cups.

"We were beaten by Elsu in the Auckland and Hunter Cups and Just An Excuse in the New Zealand Cup.

"I do think that with a bit of luck we could've finished third [placed fourth] in the Inter Dominion Pacing Grand Final [also won by Elsu].

"Overall, it was an outstanding campaign from Howard Bromac as he raced with credit here in New Zealand and Australia against the top grand circuit horses."

Larsen will stick to a similar campaign with Howard Bromac next season and is looking forward to clashing again with Elsu and Just An Excuse.

"Howard Bromac lacks the brilliance of a racehorse like Elsu or Just An Excuse but he's a very good stayer who does need that little bit of luck to swing his way during a race.

"Racing against the free-for-all horses this season has really toughened him up and the experience of travelling and racing away from home will help when we travel again to Australia.

"There were times last season when I thought he was a little undeveloped physically and mentally to handle the stress of competing against good racehorses. But he just seemed to get better with the more racing and travelling we did."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY