Sydney Cup runner-up ruled out of spring racing; Melbourne Cup aim for former Te Akau runner; Douglas injured;Hawke’s Bay Foal walk
Sydney Cup runner-up ruled out of spring racing
The Michael Moroney-trained Vengeur Masque has been ruled out of spring racing after a paddock accident.
The son of Monsun finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in the autumn after a hit-and-run fifth placing in the Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) while in the care of Moroney’s training partner Pam Gerard.
The dual Group winner was about to return to Moroney’s Flemington barn in preparation for the spring, but suffered a hock injury.
"We had our first blow the other day,” Moroney said. “Vengeur Masque is out for the spring.
“He had a paddock accident about four days before he was about to come back in. He ended up very lame behind, with a big hock. They x-rayed it and he had bone chips. So it's very disappointing."
Melbourne Cup aim for former Te Akau runner
Former Te Akau runner Torcedor is being set to tackle the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) later this year.
The son of Fastnet Rock won two Group Three races for his former high-profile owners, who included Sir Patrck Hogan, Sir Peter Vela, Mohammed Moussa, and Laurie Laxon.
Torcedor also went on to place at Group One level in the Goodwood Cup (3200m), Ascot Gold Cup (4000m) and Irish St Leger (2800m) before his sale to Australian Bloodstock.
Now in the care of Andreas Wohler, Australian Bloodstock co-director Jamie Lovett said her will head towards the Melbourne Cup after missing the famous race last year with a high temperature.
"He's currently in work and on target to come out for this year's Melbourne Cup,” Lovett told Racing.com.
“He'll probably have a couple of runs, maybe second-up in the Prix Kergorlay (Gr.3, 3000m), before traveling to Australia."
Torcedor was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for 70,000 Euro at the 2013 Deauville Yearling Sales in France.
Douglas injured
Jumps jockey Lemmy Douglas was injured when his mount The Bieber fell at the third hurdle in the Open Phar Lap Raceway Hurdles (3000m) at Timaru on Friday.
Douglas took a heavy fall on the $2.60 favourite and has shoulder and collarbone injuries. The 25-year-old Englishman will not be riding at Awapuni on Saturday.
$22 chance Additup won the event, while Delacroix was an impressive winner over the bigger fences when taking out the Equine Veterinary Services Steeples (4280m).
Hawke’s Bay Foal walk
The Hawke's Bay/Poverty Bay Thoroughbred Breeders’ annual foal walk around several properties in Hawke's Bay will be held on Sunday, June 30.
The walk will start at Guy and Brigid Lowry's property at 305 Kawera Rd, Okawa, at 10am sharp.
At the completion of the foal walk a luncheon has been arranged at Off The Track Restaurant in Havelock Rd.
For luncheon bookings RSVP Sharyn Craig at mike.sharyn@xtra.co.nz
