Last season talented harness racing trainer Kate McLeod was confident her then nine-year-old Georgefromguam would knock up winning races but after four minor placings she was forced to send him to the paddock.
But in Hobart last Sunday night Georgefromguam delivered the gods with an impressive al-the-way win at what was his first start for eight months.
With Erin Hollaway in the sulky, Georgefromguam showed enough gate speed to cross and lead from barrier five and the driver proceeded to get away with a modest mid-quarter that enhanced the gelding's chances of securing the elusive win.
Our Percius worked home well to finish second after trailing the leader throughout while Lu Way Lord made up good ground to finish third.
"The hose has been dog since I've had him but he broke down three times with tendon issues before he arrived at my stables," McLeod said.
"He went into this race a bit underdone because I have to be careful not to let him overdo it on the training track because of his issues but he found enough tonight to get a much deserved win," she said.
Georgefromguam, previously trained in NSW by Larry Eastman, had not won since successful at Charlton in Victoria in May 2012.
"I am confident this horse has plenty of improvement in him and it wouldn't surprise me if he rattled off a couple of wins in quick succession," McLeod said.
Peter Staples