Racing: Tough haul to 2nd cup

SYDNEY: It is often said the journey is more important than the destination and it has been some journey for connections of Sydney Cup contender No Wine No Song at Randwick today.

The 8-year-old will be bidding to win the 3200m stamina test for the second time, having first claimed the race two years ago.

A few months later, No Wine No Song suffered a tendon injury that ruled him out of the spring carnival.

He returned last autumn but one run into his comeback another tendon in another leg gave way.

Thanks to the time and patience of owner Joe O'Gara and trainer Kevin Moses, No Wine No Song started on the comeback trail - again.

But the two tendon injuries were nothing compared with the colic attack which almost claimed the gelding's life last year. "[2008 Melbourne Cup winner] Viewed died of colic [last] Saturday so it can get them," Moses said.

If No Wine No Song wins the Sydney Cup it will be on the back of a lot of hard work by a lot of people.

Not to mention one courageous horse.

- AAP