Christmas and Royal Ida almost go hand in hand.The nine-year-old, who trainer Luke Oliver brought out of retirement when a group of his owners purchased him last winter, has made Adelaide's Christmas Handicap his own for three of the past four years.Royal Ida was unbeaten in the Listed Race at Cheltenham traditionally run on Boxing Day, winning it in 2005, 2006 and 2008.Now Oliver is keen to give the Star Pyramul gelding his chance to add the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield to his B

Christmas and Royal Ida almost go hand in hand.

The nine-year-old, who trainer Luke Oliver brought out of retirement when a group of his owners purchased him last winter, has made Adelaide's Christmas Handicap his own for three of the past four years.

Royal Ida was unbeaten in the Listed Race at Cheltenham traditionally run on Boxing Day, winning it in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

Now Oliver is keen to give the Star Pyramul gelding his chance to add the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield to his Boxing Day record.

"He is great old horse and going as good as ever," Oliver said.

"When we heard he had been retired we rang up the owners and bought him."

In no time Royal Ida was back winning, scoring at his first start for Oliver at Benalla beating Passing Salute and Sensational Toy on October 4.

Noting Royal Ida's record, Oliver took the sprinter back to Adelaide where he started a strong sentimental favourite in the Durbridge Stakes (1200m) Morphettville on October 20.

He was going for his fourth win the race after successive victories from 2005 to 2007 and while he finished third to Very Discreet he was beaten less than a length in third place.

Royal Ida's recent efforts reflect his endless enthusiasm for racing.

Since the Durbridge, he finished within a length of the winner Centennial Park when third in dead heat in the Group Three AAMI Business Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Derby Day and last start was close up again when fourth to Sound Journey on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

"He drew wide both times Cup week but still ran very well," Oliver said.

"He just needed find a length but the Christmas Stakes should suit him."