Gunnedah trainer Gavin Groth describes the 2020 winter as the 'winter from hell'.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It was the worst winter he has ever had in terms of results on the track.
In total, the trainer has had eight winners over the past 12 months from 124 starts.
READ ALSO:
On top of the lack of wins and COVID-19, a virus went through his stables, derailing preparations left, right and centre.
"It had a domino effect. You thought the horses had gotten over it [virus] then another one would get it," Groth said.
It was tough, but the 'winter from hell' is in the rear vision mirror, the warmth of summer is here and with it some positive results - of the racing variety - for Groth.
From his last five runners, Groth has registered three victories.
The first came at Gunnedah last Tuesday when Raglan turned around a 20-length loss to win by a head in the Verdict Coffee Maiden Plate (1600m).
"The difference was the firmness of the track. He doesn't like any give in the track whatsoever," Groth said.
"The harder the better with him.
"That was the turnaround with him - and a big weight advantage. We decided to claim with him. He wasn't handling the big weights."
Groth backed up that performance with wins at Moree on Saturday.
Annie's Street won a benchmark 66 handicap over 1400 metres while Big Surprise took out a benchmark 50 handicap over 1200 metres.
The track was rated a Heavy 10 and both of Groth's charges relished the conditions.
"They hadn't won on a heavy track before but had placed on a heavy," Groth said,
"They're both halfway through their prep so they're fit and we thought we may as well give them the opportunity."
It paid off big time as both horses not only won, but won well.
Annie's Street won by 3.37 lengths and Big Surprise went even better in putting 5.46 lengths on his nearest rival.
"I'd be lying if I thought they'd win like that because I didn't," Groth said.
Groth has nominated three runners - Raglan, Bring The Joy and Al Guns A Dancer - for the Quirindi Jockey Club Boxing Day Races.
He'll also aim to take horses to Inverell Cup day in the new year.