Damn.
Feel better, good boy.
Xcellent doubtful for spring racing 15 Aug 2007
By Rob Burnet
The multiple Group I winner Xcellent (NZ) has another injury that is likely to mean that the now six-year-old will miss the 2007 spring racing season.
Flemington and Matamata trainer Mike Moroney confirmed on Wednesday that a shoulder injury to Xcellent means that he will have to be spelled again.
“He has a deep seated muscle tear of the shoulder,” said Moroney.
Moroney said that the Matamata stable had previously had to back of from Xcellent track training due to the injury and they then walked that horse for a week. However, the injury reappeared and Xcellent is unable to work.
“When it reoccurs you have got trouble,” said Moroney.
'It would take a minor miricle for him to carry on.'
Xcellent is due to be checked by prominent Matamata vet Jim Marks before a final decision is made.
Xcellent received tendon injuries after his brilliant third behind Makybe Diva in the 2005 Melbourne Cup and he was then restored to work racing trim after stem cell treatment.
Moroney then worked the Pentire gelding back to the race track for a one off unplaced run in the 2007 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm in June, before another spell, and then spring training.
Moroney has better news on Jokers Wild who will commence his spring in the Group I Mudgeway Stakes (1400m) at Hastings.
A decision would be taken after that run if the horse would have another run in New Zealand or join Moroney’s Flemington stable for racing over the 2007 Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.
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