Despite nearly two-years off the track exciting galloper Mihaul returned to his winning ways when he dealt to his rivals over 1200m at Matamata on the weekend.

The Iffraaj gelding had looked to be a potential classics contender when he won his only two starts as a two-year-old for Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock. Amongst his beaten rivals on debut was subsequent Group One winner Hall Of Fame.

Niggling leg issues put paid to his three-year-old campaign with Sharrock struggling to get him back to the track due to his ongoing problems. On Sharrock’s recommendation the gelding was transferred to the beach training environment of Moira and Kieran Murdoch which has worked the oracle for him.

“I think Allan was at his wits end trying to keep him sound,” said Moira Murdoch.

“He clearly has plenty of talent, but those leg problems just niggle away at him. Being on the beach has really helped as we choose what type of surface to work him on plus he gets to go in a straight line much of the time.

“He is a pretty big boy and is really just maturing now so to do what he did as a two-year-old stamps him as a very exciting prospect.”

Murdoch is realistic that her charge is still very much a day-to-day proposition but is keen to see him make further progress after Saturday’s convincing win.

“I think the best thing about Saturday was the joy it gave his owners who got a real thrill out of the win,” she said.

“They have been very patient and told me they were just so happy to see him back on the track after all he has been through. I do think if we can keep him sound and happy he can go through the grades based on what we saw from him.

“Leith (Innes) was very complimentary when he came back in so as long as he comes through the race okay we can plan ahead with him.

“I do think he is going to be best suited over a mile which is a bit of an issue as there are really only 1200m races around for him at the moment.

“There are races at Te Rapa and Pukekohe that we will look at but at this stage I’m leaning towards Pukekohe as it is a big, roomy track which will suit him best.”