What a comeback! After 16 months on the sidelines due to injury, Gaylord returned to the track in spectacular fashion on 13 July 2025, winning Race 1 at Grafton – the $50,000 GRAFTON HIRE SUPER Maiden Showcase Handicap (1006m) – with a confident, all-the-way performance.
This wasn’t just a win. It was the perfect alignment of milestones:
AHA Racing’s 10th Australian win in just 18 months — from only 8 horses in training.
Breeders Kevin & Julie Taylor of Koru Thoroughbreds celebrated their 200th career win as breeders.
And for Trainer Matthew Dunn, it marked his 100th winner of the 2025 season.
It’s safe to say the stars well and truly aligned at Grafton!
Gaylord’s win is all the more remarkable considering the journey to get here. Early in his first preparation in 2024, he suffered a fracture to his near hind sesamoid in the stables. Thanks to the patience and belief of his ownership group, and the care of the team around him, he made a full recovery — and proved he hadn’t lost an ounce of talent.
Welcome back, Gaylord – and congratulations to everyone involved in this very special win.
