After overcoming a challenging two-year recovery from a soft tissue injury sustained in 2022, Bob Loblaw has made a remarkable comeback to the racing scene. Competing in his sixth race since his return, the gelding claimed an impressive seven-and-a-half-length victory at Grand River Raceway, finishing the race in 1:52.3. This victory marked his first payday since returning, following five disappointing performances at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
Middleton, the track announcer at Woodbine Mohawk Park, expressed his relief and delight over Bob Loblaw’s victory, acknowledging the mounting pressure stemming from the horse's earlier lacklustre performances. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” he confided. “I felt the pressure because I knew he had the potential to perform better. Thankfully, we found a more suitable race for him, and he truly delivered.”
Bob Loblaw holds particular sentimental value for Middleton, who co-bred him alongside his late friend Bill Galvin, who was honoured in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2014. As a two-year-old in 2021, Bob Loblaw showcased significant promise, winning the Nassagaweya Stakes, securing third place in two Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) Gold races, and claiming victory in an OSS Grassroots event. However, his journey wasn’t without complications, as he faced challenges like breaking stride during pivotal events such as the Metro Pace and Champlain Stakes.
Middleton recalled one of his most exhilarating moments during the 2021 OSS Super Final, where Bob Loblaw, a 37-1 longshot, surged from seventh place to clinch victory by a neck. “When he finally got off the rail after the last turn, my excitement started to bubble over,” Middleton reminisced. “Seeing him charge down the stretch was incredible, and experiencing that moment with my friends and family was pure joy.”
The promising trajectory of Bob Loblaw's career faced a setback due to an injury, which necessitated a two-year hiatus. Throughout this time, Middleton prioritised the horse's recovery, emphasising the necessity of patience in the training process. “The most important lesson in training horses is the need for patience,” said Middleton. “We focused on his well-being and allowed him the time to heal thoroughly.”
As Bob Loblaw healed, Middleton was on his own rehabilitation journey. After sustaining cracked vertebrae in a training accident in July 2023, he underwent surgery and faced a prolonged recovery period. His family provided integral support during this time, assisting both him and the horses. “I owe so much to my mum, brother, sister-in-law, niece, girlfriend — everyone was there for me,” Middleton shared, reflecting on his gratitude.
With Bob Loblaw’s recent success, Middleton and his team are eager to help him regain his pre-injury performance levels. Despite the initial setbacks at Mohawk Park, Bob Loblaw's victory at Grand River Raceway has reignited optimism regarding his future in competitions. Middleton plans to evaluate Bob’s performances in the upcoming months to determine the best trajectory forward.
Bob Loblaw is scheduled to race again tonight at Georgian Downs in an upper-tier conditioned event, where he is listed as the 8/5 morning-line favourite. Regardless of how the race unfolds, Middleton’s main hope is uncomplicated: “I just want to see the horse perform well, whether it's at Grand River, Georgian Downs, or a mix of both. We might have to wait until the fall, when the pace slows and the competition eases a bit.”
Bob Loblaw's story represents resilience, patience, and the profound bond between horse and trainer, signifying a significant milestone in his journey back to peak racing form.