It took a fair bit of prompting for Norm Loy to return to the training ranks, but now that he is back in business the former leading jockey is eagerly looking towards the future.
Loy celebrated his return with a winning double with his only two starters at Leeton last month and will be striving to produce a carbon copy when Butler Butler and The Russian start at Gundagai on Sunday.
Loy didn’t saddle up a starter for six years with his wife Natalie taking out her own licence before some friends enticed him to give it another try. Now with six horses in training at Albury, Loy is keen to see the progression of his stable horses led by his current two last start winners.
Butler Butler showed plenty of determination to win over 1600 metres on August 22, while The Russian scored first-up for the stable in maiden grade.
“Butler Butler is working well and the only query is the 1800 metres because he has never been over the distance,” he said.
Butler Butler has won in maiden grade at Gundagai and his last win was his first since then and followed some competitive runs.
The Russian had been unplaced in seven starts and was having his first start for 12 months before he won at big odds at Leeton.
Loy said his return to training was timely with his 16-year-old son Rylie part of the stable operation.
“I lost interest and a few mates asked if I would train again so I thought it would be good with Rylie riding track work,” he said.
“I ride Butler Butler because he pulls very hard in track work, but it’s been good since I have been back and I’m actually enjoying it again.”
Loy’s oldest son Brodie will ride The Russian, while Simon Miller will again be aboard Butler Butler.
Loy said stable followers grabbed odds of $41 on The Russian at Leeton and he didn’t expect those odds again with the six-year-old still on the improve.
“It was his first run for a while so you would expect he will be better this time,” he said.
One trainer looking for a change of fortune is Kathryn Cahill who will saddle up Campfire against Butler Butler.
Campfire has finished third at his past five starts which includes four placings at Dubbo.
The six-year-old has found a more suitable race and is a strong winning hope for apprentice jockey Patrick Scorse.
He will also ride Rockin’ Red Rocket who will be having his first start for new trainer Nick Olive.
View the fields and form (including race replays) for Sunday's Gundagai meeting here.