It seemed to be a sign of her evolution from champion junior driver to real major racing candidate.
By dominating the junior driver premiership for three years, she proved that, with opportunities at the highest level, she could compete with the very best.
Her blossoming career as a driver came to an abrupt halt when she suffered significant injuries in a track accident in July 2024, including a significant fracture to her arm that sidelined her for almost 15 months.
But now, just two months after returning to the Sulky, she’s back and ready to step back into the spotlight – in her usual, non-poetry way.
“I’ve been feeling really good since I got back. My arm is holding up well and feels just like it did before it broke.”
“All the physio work I did must have provided a good foundation!”
O’Reilly has ridden American Me in his last two starts, and she was particularly pleased with his performance in the Forbury Pacing Cup twelve days ago.
“His efforts at Wingatui were fantastic.”
“He couldn’t have done more from 40 meters out and he dug deep in the straight when he was third.”
In today’s Invercargill Cup, his trademark fast start could put him in a dangerous position as he returns to the front band after chasing away that big handicap at the last start.
Two years ago he moved quickly to take the lead early, before taking a course on Self Assured and outsprinting him late in the sprint. If a similar circumstance arises, he could enter the fray again.
American Me is currently at $31, with defending champions The Republican Party ($1.70) and The Lazarus Effect ($2.80) being the clear two top picks.
The opportunity does not escape Sarah either.
“It’s really nice to get back to Southland – I haven’t been back since I started riding again on race day, so it will be great to catch up with everyone.”
“To get the chance for another crack in this race two years later is an honor for the horse because he has competed at this top level for so long.”
It’s undoubtedly one of many ‘fairytale’ storylines in this relatively new race on the calendar – one that has already created several in its three-year history.
However, in disappointingly late news, the race will go without major chance We Walk By Faith after being scratched on Thursday.
Co-trainer Hayden Cullen explained that the horse showed signs of lameness on Thursday morning and that an “abscess was brewing”.
For full race entries, click here.
By means of Brittany Graham for Harness Racing New Zealand
#Sarah #OReilly #return #fairytale #Invercargill #Cup