Trainer Ian Foley is glad to be back.
Glad to be back in harness racing and glad to be involved in winning again.
That experience came courtesy of Misstiano in the opening race at Pinjarra on Monday, the first time Foley has sent out a horse to race in just over five years.
And judging by the manner in which Misstiano went about her work on debut, Foley and his two-year-old filly had better get used to winning more races.
Foley said relief was his overriding emotion after Misstiano crossed the line first in the Tabtouch-Better Your Bet 2YO Fillies Westbred Pace (1684m).
“It’s just fantastic,” Foley said on Tabradio.
“My two kids were there and they work away.
“My daughter is just back from London.
“Unfortunately my wife couldn’t get there.
“I told her last night if felt like playing my first game of footy all those years ago.
“I was nervous and toey and just wanted to get out there.
“Once the horse was on the track I was right.
“After five years I thought have I still got it and you start to doubt yourself.”
Misstiano settled back in the field before being sent forward by reinsman Ryan Warwick to face the breeze inside the final lap.
The daughter of Alta Christiano sprinted to the front half way down the straight and defeated Star Of Diamonds and Sunshine Swift.
Foley said the win was full of merit.
“I said to Ryan (Warwick) we don’t want to knock her around and we might have to go back,” Foley said.
“He had to move around to sit in the breeze and I thought this would be a good test to see if she can do a bit of work and still run home.
“I was really pleased with the way she did and I know that Ryan (Warwick) has been pretty impressed with her.
“His input from a racing perspective has been fantastic and has helped me along the way a bit.
“I was glad he took off and once he did he rated her perfectly and it worked out good.
“I think she can go on with it, but what I like about her is that she has got high speed.
“Her point to point is real good, but to see her do a bit of work and run on and away from them I was really, really pleased with.
“There could be a bit of depth to her.”
Julio Santarelli