GROUP One winner Idyllic made a triumphant racing return at Kapunda on Sunday.
Building a solid record for power couple Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin, Idyllic notched 11 wins and 11 placings from 29 starts before injury all but ended his career in March 2023.
Sent for a long break, the son of Somebeachsomewhere was given a "long slow rehab" before being transferred to Mildura-based trainer Naomi Kerr several months ago.
"He has had injuries to his pasterns, with plates and screws put in one," Kerr explained. "Then a while later he injured the other one.
"So he was given a long slow rehab after that before Emma and Clayton suggested to the ownership group he might be ideal for Mildura.
"They agreed and I am very lucky that they sent him to me.
"He has been in work for a while and it was terrific to see him win first-up after such a big break from racing."
Crossing the border into South Australia, Idyllic captured the Kapunda Cup by leading throughout from barrier two.
With Lochie Cook in the sulky, the stallion rated 2:00.1 over 2610 metres as Lord Zarias and Artillery filled the placings.
"I was a little concerned about his fitness as it's been so long since he raced, but he went terrific," Kerr said. "He got tired at the end, but that was to be expected.
"Looking at the positive, he will improve from that run and be better again next time."
That "next time" is likely to be the South Australia Cup at Globe Derby on October 26.
"I'm not sure if he will race again before the Cup," Kerr said. "I will play it by ear and see how he is feeling over the next week or so.
"The main aim is to lift his fitness before the Cup whether that's at home, trials or a race, I haven't decided."
