Cyclone Jordy's stunning return from injury

By Adam Hamilton

Champion trainer Gary Hall Sr admits he was more nervous that most big Group 1 races when injury-plagued star Cyclone Jordy made a winning return at Pinjarra yesterday.

The brilliant four-year-old had been sidelined for a year with a tendon injury, but you wouldn’t know it watching him cruise to victory in a strong field and fast time in the $50,000 4YO Chandon Classic (2185m).

It was 11th win from as many starts since coming from NZ to join Team Hall. Before that he won three from five for Tate Hopkins, including the 2024 Group 1 Cardigan Bay Stakes at Alexandra Park. 

“I was a big relief, that’s for sure,” Hall Sr said. “I was more nervous than I’ve been going into Nullarbors and WA Cups yesterday.

“It’s so good to have him back, see him go so well and then have him pull-up great.”

Despite speculation, Hall Sr said he was confident Cyclone Jordy has a bright future despite his injury challenges.

“I’m touching wood as I say it, but I think so,” he said. “He’s never been sore. Just had some filling.

“His legs were cold before and after the race and that’s a great sign.

“He’s a very, very serious horse. He’s so fast, but he’s strong, too.

“We’ll go to a $50,000 race at Gloucester Park in a couple weeks and then on towards the (Golden Nugget).

“All going well, we’ve then got all the big open-class races.

“At this stage, he’d be our Nullarbor horse. Although we might all be running for second now Leap To Fame is coming across.”

Hall Sr revealed he had taken on the key “hand-on” training role with Cyclone Jordy since he had another minor scare 10 weeks ago.

“There was some filling in the leg where the scar tissue was and they suggested he have another six weeks out, but I wasn’t keen on that,” he said.

“I told ‘Junior’ (Gary Hall Jr) that I wanted to drive him myself in work after that and he’s thrived.”

Cyclone Jordy’s 1min54.9sec mile rate yesterday was just 0.4sec outside the track record.

“It’s amazing to do that after a year out and knowing how much improvement he has still to come. It’s very exciting,” Hall Sr said.

“The horse did everything we hoped and Junior drove him superbly.”