Ben Aubron burst onto the scene as a trainer when Xebec won the NSW Trotters Derby at a big price in 2019.
The Group 2 squaregaiting feature success came while the little-known Frenchman was working for Yabby Dam Farms, and was only the second victory with his first-ever horse.
But before long, both were overseas in New Zealand plying their trade. Aubron raced the son of Orlando Vici abroad while working for the likes of Tony Herlihy and John and Josh Dickie, with the horse winning two of his 15 runs across the Tasman.
“It cost me a fortune, but I took him with me,” Aubron said.
“He did everything right. I cannot complain with what he did in New Zealand.”
It wasn’t long before the 29-year-old wanted a return to Victoria, and when an opportunity to move back and work for champion trotting trainer Chris Lang presented itself, he jumped at the chance.
“Chris was okay to sponsor me so we did all the paperwork and now I’m back,” he said.
“I got back three months ago… it’s good to be back, to be honest.”
Xebec returned with Aubron and made his long-awaited comeback to the races on Monday at Yarra Valley. In his first competitive performance since November last year, the horse ran a creditable third from the 30m backmark behind Emmett and Richard Brosnan-trained No Biggie.
“I think he will improve off Chris as well, and from his last start,” he said.
Xebec, who is owned solely by Aubron, has won six of his 33 career starts for more than $75,000 in prizemoney.
>> READ MORE: Lang’s imPerfect path to break through Group 1
>> READ MORE: A Dam big break-out for Ben Aubron with Derby delight
