Blazing Sword's Albury Hat-Trick
Thursday, 05 Feb 2026
Blazing Sword continued his outstanding record at Albury on Thursday, digging deep to claim a tough and well-earned victory over 1600 metres, carrying a big weight and once again proving his affinity with the Border track.
The win marked Blazing Sword’s third consecutive success at Albury, following a narrow third on his debut at the venue, and highlighted the gelding’s toughness as he lumped 62.5kg after apprentice Sage Duric’s 3kg claim in a truly gritty performance.
Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons was full of praise for both horse and rider, acknowledging the effort required to get the job done under the circumstances.
“That was a 10 out of 10 ride from Sage,” Fitzsimmons said. “She rode him absolutely perfectly and it was great to see him back in the winner’s circle.”
“He had to do it the tough way today, carrying the weight, but he just keeps showing how genuine he is. He really puts in.”
The win also continued a perfect association between Fitzsimmons and Duric, with the pair now two from two together, following their first-time success aboard Condor at Wangaratta a fortnight ago.
Duric said Blazing Sword travelled beautifully throughout the run and showed his trademark toughness late.
“He went really well today,” Duric said. “He jumped okay, they went quick early and I was able to slot in behind them. There were a couple we didn’t want to get stuck behind, but we were lucky enough to get a lovely run in behind and stay in touch.”
“He travelled the whole way and never came off the bridle. We stayed inside, cut the corner and saved some ground. He got a little looky late, but he was strong and tough as nails. I hope to be on him again next time!”
With the gelding thriving, Fitzsimmons said the plan is to keep the Sword racing the Sydney way as there's some nice local targets ahead.
“He’s going so well at the moment that we’ll keep him going that way for his next few starts,” he said. “There are some nice races coming up for him, including the Corowa Cup and the Albury Mile, which look like good options.”
Tough, consistent and clearly thriving, Blazing Sword keeps delivering for his owners - and on his current Albury form, the Swordsmen might want to keep their passports handy as the border raids continue.
The win marked Blazing Sword’s third consecutive success at Albury, following a narrow third on his debut at the venue, and highlighted the gelding’s toughness as he lumped 62.5kg after apprentice Sage Duric’s 3kg claim in a truly gritty performance.
Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons was full of praise for both horse and rider, acknowledging the effort required to get the job done under the circumstances.
“That was a 10 out of 10 ride from Sage,” Fitzsimmons said. “She rode him absolutely perfectly and it was great to see him back in the winner’s circle.”
“He had to do it the tough way today, carrying the weight, but he just keeps showing how genuine he is. He really puts in.”
The win also continued a perfect association between Fitzsimmons and Duric, with the pair now two from two together, following their first-time success aboard Condor at Wangaratta a fortnight ago.
Duric said Blazing Sword travelled beautifully throughout the run and showed his trademark toughness late.
“He went really well today,” Duric said. “He jumped okay, they went quick early and I was able to slot in behind them. There were a couple we didn’t want to get stuck behind, but we were lucky enough to get a lovely run in behind and stay in touch.”
“He travelled the whole way and never came off the bridle. We stayed inside, cut the corner and saved some ground. He got a little looky late, but he was strong and tough as nails. I hope to be on him again next time!”
With the gelding thriving, Fitzsimmons said the plan is to keep the Sword racing the Sydney way as there's some nice local targets ahead.
“He’s going so well at the moment that we’ll keep him going that way for his next few starts,” he said. “There are some nice races coming up for him, including the Corowa Cup and the Albury Mile, which look like good options.”
Tough, consistent and clearly thriving, Blazing Sword keeps delivering for his owners - and on his current Albury form, the Swordsmen might want to keep their passports handy as the border raids continue.