Bates back in business

Fri, July 23 2010

HE HAS won every big race there is in the Northern Territory, but David Bates will surely celebrate his greatest triumph at Fannie Bay come tomorrow.

Only 357 days after a fall that left him in an induced coma nursing a fractured skull, Bates returns to the place which has shaped not only his career, but his life.

It is a testament to his resilience, toughness and courage that the master horseman has made such a speedy recovery and ready for what is sure to be a popular return to the training ranks.

And the four-time Bay premiership-winning trainer will mark his comeback with one of his favourite horses in Gallium, who tomorrow chases his third straight win in the Carbine Club Flying Handicap (1100m).

"I've worked hard towards this day and now it's finally here I'm looking forward to it," Bates said.

"To have Gallium as my first runner back is something special because he's the loveliest horse and we're trying to win this race with him for the third time in a row.

"I rode him in both wins - but Walshy's (Troy Walsh) going to ride him this year and it would mean a lot to win again."

Walsh, who is one of Bates' best mates, is well-aware tomorrow is going to be a massive occasion.

"It would be a fairytale result if Gallium could win," Walsh said. "I rode David's last winner (Hyphenate) as a trainer while he was in hospital and it would mean a lot to me if I could ride his first winner back."

Bates admits he will take a steady as she goes approach to his comeback, having enjoyed a recent low-key role as a stable assistant for his cousin, fellow Bay trainer Tayarn Halter.

"I've been pretty active helping out Tayarn and that gave me a good insight to see if I was still capable of being a trainer," Bates said.

"I've got the five horses (Gallium, Blackstone Rose, Hyphenate, Rose Marie and Roseberry Topping) to start off with and I'm sure that number will develop as time goes on.

"One of the good things about being back is that the kids are excited about working with Dad again and I'm looking forward to spending time with them at the stables."

Bates says the past year has "gone quickly" and touched upon the amount of well-wishes he's received along his journey.

"I've been lucky to have had some very good support from people in the racing industry, but also in the general public," Bates said. "A lot of people have come up to me when I've been down the street and ask me how I'm going - it's been nice."

What would also be nice and no doubt a fairytale result is a Gallium win come 3.10pm tomorrow afternoon

Story Courtesy Gregor Mactaggart - NT News