21st June Update
Another enjoyable Ascot week with some cracking racing, and Ryan Moore showing yet again that he is a class above any other jockey riding anywhere in the world. Nicky’s tipping comp was good fun but as usual I failed to trouble the leaders. Congrats to the winners and thanks to the organisers.
Quiet on the news front although unfortunately the racing gods have hit us yet again. As you will have read in a previous newsletter, Surrey King was due to return to the gallops this week. Although his recent X-rays showed nothing untoward, Hughie felt something was still amiss, so we sent King for an MRI scan. Unfortunately, the scan revealed a small hairline fracture in his knee. It is in an unusual location, which is likely why it did not show up on the X-rays. It is possible that the injury has been present for several weeks and could explain his run at Salisbury. The prognosis is very good, but the injury will require four weeks of box rest. He will then be reassessed and, if everything is progressing as expected, complete a further four weeks on the walker before resuming training. If all goes to plan, the best-case scenario would see Surrey King return to the track in late September. While it is obviously frustrating to uncover a setback, the silver lining is that we now have a clear diagnosis and a straightforward recovery plan and, with a bit of patience, we hope to see him back on the track later in the year.
Better news with regard Surrey Moon who seems to be in done well physically for his time off. He’s back cantering which he seems to enjoy and although its still 6 weeks away Tom has highlighted an option at Yarmouth on August 6th where, hopefully if we have a smooth run, he can make his long-awaited debut. His half sister ran well in the Kensington Palace Stakes at the Royal Meeting last week, finishing first in her group on the far side but as we have seen it appears the track certainly had a stand side bias on the straight course.
Surrey Etoile has been on the walker for 45 minutes each day and handling that without any issue. He’ll have 5 minutes gentle lunge work daily from this week to build up the muscles in his back and neck. He’s in a great place mentally which is remarkable considering the extent of his injury 6 months ago. However, whether he makes it on to a racetrack is still very much in the balance. We are unlikely to know for certain until the final stages of his preparation, when he undertakes faster work that will place greater strain on his body.
It’s been a very frustrating year so far and without runners for at least another 6 weeks we’ve never known a year like it, patience is a vital commodity in owning racehorses! The trainers are all very accommodating so please get in touch if you wish to visit any of the horses, just because they aren’t racing, watching their development is still rewarding (and less stressful!).
Have a good week ahead – slip. slop, slap.
Possible races and events.
August
Wednesday 5th – Surrey Moon