When the star is a jumper taking his first step in returning to the track - and hopefully towards a big winter - it is excusable.
Talented hurdler Jackfrost made his first public appearance of the year with a solid hit-out in the 1000m open heat.
Unsurprisingly the Brian and Shane Anderton-trained jumper tailed the field in a hectic affair on the slow inside No2 grass track.
More importantly, the horse was progressing well and in excellent condition approaching the jumping season, Brian Anderton said.
The Grand National Hurdles at Riccarton in August would be Jackfrost's long-term target this year, Anderton said.
Jackfrost burst on to the jumping scene by winning his first two hurdle starts at last year's Grand National Carnival.
The open heat was won by the Jim Burns-trained Plutonium.
It was his first public appearance since his big win on debut over 1400m at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
Kennedy, who has gained experience riding in the North Island, is one of three riders who have bolstered the Wingatui riding ranks recently.
Mauritius-born apprentice Zubair Bholah, who recently arrived in Otago after a riding stint in New Caledonia, rode Our Teddy Boy for his employer, Steve Tyler.
Emma Anderton, of White Robe Lodge, rode Jackfrost in his heat. Anderton was having only her second day riding at jumpouts yesterday.
Another impressive recent race winner at Wingatui was back at the track and in winning form.
Diamond Cortz triumphed in her first start from Terry Kennedy's stable in January. The horse then went poorly after over-racing in her next start over 1200m at Champions Day this month.
Yesterday Diamond Cortz looked to be back to where she was when she won last month, going by her one-length win with Kennedy in the saddle.
Kennedy also rode former North Island galloper Markwood to win a maiden heat for
the Andertons.
The horse has done all his racing in the upper North Island but has returned home to White Robe Lodge where he was bred.
The Andertons also produced an unnamed Showcasing filly from Cherry Creek, the dam of Coulee, to win yesterday with rider Courtney Barnes, and Otago Flyer, ridden to win by Jacob Lowry.
Lowry and consistent maidener Pulau Pinang look set for victory in race 6 (1200m) at Riccarton today.
The jockey has finished second in each of his two rides on the Michael and Matthew Pitman-trained galloper.
Jumpouts results.-
Heat 1, inexperienced 600m: Showcasing-Cherry Creek, C Barnes 1; Ferlax-No Lane Bridge 2; Raise the Flag-Briga 3. Trainers: B&S Anderton. Time: 37.4. Margins L, 1L. 3 started.
Heat 2, maiden 800m: Markwood, B Kennedy 1; Montserrat 2; Danzi Creek 3. Trainers: B&S Anderton. Time: 50.3. Margins L, 1L. 6 started.
Heat 4, maiden, 1000m: Otago Flyer, J Lowry 1; Raise Us 2; Luka 3. Trainers: B&S Anderton. Time: 1.02.5. Margins ½L, 1L. 4 started.
Heat 5, maiden, 1000m: Diamond Cortz, B Kennedy 1; Parklane 2; Hold the Raddle 3. Trainer: T Kennedy. Time: 1.00.6. Margins 1L, 1L. 5 started.
Heat 6, open, 1000m: Plutonium, B Kennedy 1; Miss Norway 2; Our Teddy Boy 3. Trainer: T Kennedy. Time: 59.7. Margins 2L, ½L. 6 started.
