19th July Update
A shame you are reading this and not settling down to watch England in the World Cup Final!
I mentioned last week that Surrey Etoile had mild arthrosis and the surgeon has recommended infiltration treatment which is the most effective treatment for this type of post-surgical osteoarthritis, and the recommendation of the surgeon who performed the original operation, is an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the affected joint, which will take place tomorrow and Etoile will have a further three weeks of reduced activity. PRP is intended to reduce joint inflammation and improve the joint environment. The results are not immediate, and improvements can take up to 12 months to fully materialise but benefits typically becoming apparent over the first 6-8 weeks. We are realistic about the situation. The development of osteoarthritis following such a severe injury is a significant concern, and we recognise that Surrey Etoile's prospects of returning to the racecourse remain uncertain. Nevertheless, given his age, the successful fracture repair, the relative affordability (€750) of the treatment, and the recommendation of the surgical team, we feel PRP is worth trying. Over the next few weeks, we will monitor his response as he resumes his rehabilitation. If he shows a meaningful improvement, we will continue with the programme. However, if the treatment does not provide the progress we are hoping for, there is little else we can do and we believe it would be in Surrey Etoile's best interests to begin looking for a suitable long-term home where he can enjoy a happy life away from racing.
Also last week I mentioned that Surrey Moon is on course for an early outing in August. That unfortunately is no longer the case as Moon’s last two pieces of quicker work have not been as good as hoped. He travels well for 6 furlongs but then doesn’t extend when pushed. Tom thinks there could be an issue with his front legs as Moon appears to be protecting them, but despite having them X-rayed and inspected by the vet Tom has been unable to find the issue. Tom appears to have reached the conclusion that he is unlikely to make further progress with Surrey Moon, and so we will have to seek a fresh approach. Having discussed this frustrating development with the owners, the majority won’t be giving up on Surrey Moon just yet and so Moon will be travelling to Jackie du Plessis, who has a farm in Cornwall with about 70 horses in her care. Several Surrey Racing owners will be familiar with Jackie, who trains a small number of NH horses but excels at rehabilitating injured horses. We have sent a few horses to her over the years, and she seems to have the knack of identifying issues that other trainers have missed. Her most notable success for us, was identifying and treating the issue with Surrey Quest’s neck after we took him off Nicky Henderson and before sending him to Toby. Until we understand what is limiting Surrey Moon, it is impossible to predict how long any rehabilitation or training programme might take and even if Jackie identifies and resolves the issue, it is unlikely that Surrey Moon will return to Newmarket. However, his breeding suggests there could be a good horse lurking, half-sister All Moonshine won again at Newbury yesterday whilst Aunt Alla Stella finished 2nd in a Listed race at Chantilly today.
In some slightly better news, Surrey King’s knee is healing well and so his box rest has completed, and he’ll be walked for a few weeks before being ridden again in early August. The aim is to have a run or two by the end of the turf season with the option to continue racing on all-weather tracks into the winter.
Strange to think our next runner is likely to be 2-year-old Surrey Bolt. We are into our 10th Surrey Racing year where we have had many ups and downs, but we’ve never known a year like this, there seems to be continued bad news which certainly tests everyone’s patience. As the biggest shareholder in every horse, we do understand your frustrations. Unfortunately, we can’t please everyone, however, we have always believed in making decisions based on the horse's welfare first and foremost. That principle will continue to guide every decision we make, even when the answers are not straightforward or the outcome is uncertain.
Glorious Goodwood is nearly upon us, and Nicky’s tipping comp will be up and running, £20 only for a fun week.
Rules of the Competition
Pick a horse from each race - points awarded as below
1st – 4 points
2nd -3 points
3rd – 2 points
4th -1 point
Pick a horse with SP odds of 8/1 or above - double points
Pick a horse with SP odds of 16/1 or above -treble points
Highest scorer of day wins £20
BONUS RACE - The Stewards Cup 3.35 on Saturday 1st Aug - There will be extra points awarded to 8th place
Entry Form here
https://forms.gle/m4zkTmnn2rJVYAmD8
Have a super week ahead