Cracked knee may rule out Oath for season.
THE full extent of Oath's injuries following the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes emerged last night when it was revealed that the Derby winner cracked a knee during the race, writes Tom Goff.Henry Cecil's colt may not race again this season as a result of the injury, which is believed to have been sustained during the Ascot contest, in which Oath finished seventh of eight to Daylami.
On Sunday, Cecil suggested Oath might have been feeling a small splint, or a swelling of the cannon bone.
Yesterday, however, the Fairy King colt underwent extensive veterinary examinations at Warren Place, and the trainer revealed a more serious injury.
"Unfortunately, he seems to have sustained a crack to his near-fore knee," he said. "It's the opposite leg to that with the splint, but X-rays have revealed it's the third carpal bone.
"He might have to have eight weeks on the easy list, and it certainly accounts for his performance in the King George."
Though the injury is not career-threatening, it is unclear at present whether Oath will be able to race again this year.
A two-month period of rest would mean that the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on October 3 is almost certainly off the agenda.
However, the Breeders' Cup Turf at Gulfstream Park on November 6 might not be totally out of the question.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | Sports |
|---|---|
| Author: | Goff, Tom |
| Publication: | The Racing Post (London, England) |
| Date: | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Words: | 228 |
| Previous Article: | Going is on the firm side. |
| Next Article: | Bidding to be King of the Hill; Stoute colt Adam sets Stevens' pulse racing. |