Family Star's career not over yet

By Glenn Davis

Just over nine months ago North Queensland trainer Graham Hughes feared the worst and thought he may have to retire stable favourite Family Star.

Family Star’s career was at the crossroads after he tailed off last in a 1000 metre Open Handicap at Townsville’s Cluden Park last May.

Hughes dreads the day when father time brings down the curtain on Family Star’s career as he's been a family pet since he bought the son of Bel Esprit for $6,000 three years ago.

Fast forward to the present and Family Star steps out for the second time this preparation in the Open Handicap over 1000 metres at Townsville on Thursday.

Family Star had his first start in nine months and made a courageous return finishing third to the talented Roweiner’s Dance in a 1000 metre Benchmark race at Cluden Park last week.

Hughes has no problems backing up the eight-year-old and has booked Justin Stanley to partner the gelding.

“There was a couple of options including retiring him,” Hughes said.

“But, in the end I just gave him eight months off and he’s going well again now.

“I’ve booked Justin Stanley to ride him but with 54.5kgs he'll ride him overweight.”

Family Star was one of North Queensland’s up-and-coming sprinters early in his career.

He won four times between April and August of 2022 before he later suffered a hairline fracture of his sesamoid.

He struggled to regain his form and didn’t win for another 16 starts.

He saluted in a 1200 metre Open Handicap at Townsville in February last year.

“He was always hard to handle when I first got him and it took three to saddle him,” Hughes said.

“But, as he’s got older, he’s a lot better now and his demeanour has changed.

“His first run back was very good last week and he only got beaten around one length after his fitness gave out 50 metres from the line.”

Hughes believes Family Star still has a big race in him and hasn’t ruled out the Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival. 

“If he stands up this time, he’s up to a big race like the Cleveland Bay,” Hughes said.

“He won the Cleveland Bay consolation two years ago.”

Hughes is confident of an improved showing from Family Star despite the second-up hoodoo.

“I don’t think this race is as strong as last time and Crowning Moment, which just beat us home last start, looks the main danger,” Hughes said.