It is proving a long, steady road to recovery for smart stayer Jacksstar.

The Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) winner has been off the scene since he pulled up with a serious tendon injury after finishing third behind Chenille in last March’s Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.

“He tore the ligaments in his near foreleg and the tendon was hanging on by a few strands,” trainer Gary Vile said.

“To run third in the Auckland Cup after doing that at the 200 metres shows how tough he is.

“He has had two stem cell treatments and the last scan showed there is still a hole but a lot has been repaired. 

“It’s been a long, slow process, but we’re not in a hurry with him. I just want to get him back and racing whenever that is.”

Jacksstar has spent most of his recovery time in a box, but is now in a paddock and is showing some improvement.