Casus Belli's Remarkable Racetrack Return

WA trainer Jamie Marsh was probably wondering if potential staying star Casus Belli would ever get to live up to his early potential.

The son of Bella Infrared and Benta Bale returned to win a 520 metre 5th-6th grade at Cannington on Monday night in 29.98, scoring by almost 14 lengths in a three-dog field.

But, it was not the fact he was super impressive – it was that he had not raced since May 23, 2020 after fracturing a hock.

Breeder and part-owner George Farrugia said all credit goes to Jamie for having been so determined to get the dog back to the track.

“We thought he was going to be anything,” said George.

“He had already won in fast time at Cannington over 500 metres and 600 metres, but when he first ran over 715 metres he won in 41.58.

“Tornado Tears held the record at 41.25.”

But at Casus Belli's very next start he pulled up with a slight fracture to a hock.

“We listened to the vet advice and gave him even  more time than we were told to,” said George.

“But, when he came back into work he got another slight fracture in exactly the same place.

“That meant even more time off and all credit to Jamie for being so patient with him.

“Way back in May last year, Jamie was making plans to travel interstate with him for all the big staying races.”

While George and Jamie are well aware Casus Belli is now a race to race proposition, they are still looking to the Group 1 WA Galaxy over 715m at Cannington in April.

“Look, he's pulling up well at the moment,” said George of the dog's future.

“The run last night with a final section of 10.97 was something else and we were a bit lucky to get into a three-dog race.”

Casus Belli is a litter brother to Van Buren which has been a fine galloper in WA earning $70,000.

“The 500 metres is not this dog's caper,” said George.

“But it was wonderful to see him come back to racing and win.”