But Tosic refused to accept that scenario without exploring every option he had available, and it is that determination which has On China Beach close to a remarkable comeback.

The Courage Under Fire x Anybody Home filly was purchased from New Zealand by Tosic and placed in the hands of Oberon trainer-driver Wayne Watterson.

She was proving a handy acquisition with five wins at the Bathurst Paceway, but after finishing a distance last at Parkes on December 30 last year, a problem arose.

On China Beach sustained a fracture in the seasmoid bone – a bone embedded within a tendon that holds hoof to leg – on one of her front legs.

The initial diagnosis was that she needed to have 12 months off to see if she could recover or retire permanently. That was upsetting to Tosic, so he decided to seek a second opinion from veterinarian John Crowley.

Based in Mittagong, Crowley has worked with renowned thoroughbred trainers like Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse.

“At that time when I first rang him, she had had about eight or nine months off, so he said ‘Bring her down and I will X-ray her again’,” the owner said.

“He said in that nine months she had off she had healed herself, but she was not quite all healed.

“I decided I didn’t want to bring her back unless I was at least 95 per cent positive she would be OK, as if it is not right, they tend to snap the hoof off the leg. Well, he gave me 98 per cent.

“When I found out I was dumb struck. If I hadn’t persevered when I was told 12 months off or retired, that would have been it.”

The news was a massive relief to Tosic, and has undoubtedly further fuelled his passion for the sport.

He has formed an owners syndicate, which is known as ALG Harness Racing, and their full-time trainer Watterson is now based at Peter Turnbull’s stables at The Lagoon.

Tosic said the members of the harness racing community who are based at The Lagoon have been very welcoming and helpful, and that he appreciates the support they have offered him.

They have also reaffirmed to Tosic that things look on track with On China Beach’s recovery.

“I don’t want to curse it, but she is going well and is I think she is six to seven weeks away from trialling and maybe eight weeks away from racing again,” he said.

“She means a lot to me this horse. She was the first Kiwi I ever bought and she did a terrific job for us. She won about five races, and Wayne grew very fond of her as well.

“She’s been back in work now for probably three or four weeks. She has just been doing a lot of swimming and a lot of galloping on a sand track.

“A couple of remarks I got when other people saw her was that she looked like she had never been out.

“She’s loving her swimming. She comes out and her ears are pricked up and is all bubbly and her eyes are bright.”

Though On China Beach still has some way to go before her comeback, Tosic said her story shows what ‘perseverance and proper procedure’ can achieve.