Minor tendon tear sidelines brave Hustler but Al’s happy the prognosis is good

Trainer Al Barnes has called a halt to Northview Hustler’s campaign after a small tear was detected yesterday in his near front tendon.

But while naturally disappointed at the setback, Barnes says the injury is very minor and won’t stop him from racing in the future.

“If we stop now, before it gets any worse, I can repair it very easily. If it was any other horse I’d press on and do running repairs but Hustler tries too hard and he’s too good to risk.”

Trainer Al Barnes says he can repair Northview Hustler’s injury very easily.Barnes suspects it was the effort the Hustler puts into his races that brought him undone last Saturday night when he unleashed a brilliant final 300 metres to win at Albion Park.

Driver Adam Richardson told Barnes Northview Hustler was a little ginger when he pulled up.

And while the horse was trotting fine round his paddock on Sunday Barnes called his vet who scanned the leg late yesterday afternoon.

“There’s a small tear and some inflammation outside the tendon sheath but it’s only minor. On a scale of one to 10, I’d say it’s a five, but any tendon injury starts off about a five so it’s right at the minor end of the scale.

“The vet said I should give the horse six weeks off then start working him again.

“But I’ll give him six weeks box rest then control his workload by hand walking him so he’ll have at least double the time the vet recommended.

“I’m very experienced with tendon injuries and it won’t be an issue.”

Barnes actually took the precaution of having his vet look at the leg two weeks ago when he detected slight inflammation.

“It was just me being careful and the vet gave it the all clear. The tendon was a bit bruised and looked like he might have struck it.

“I backed off his workload and it didn’t get any better but didn’t get any worse either.

“But yesterday I thought let’s get the leg scanned to see exactly what we’re dealing with.”

Barnes says it’s not uncommon for horses to develop problems when they are exposed to hard racing and are continually running very fast halves.

“The injured tendon is on the inside leg which takes all the pressure. Some horses handle it, some don’t.

“I’m not too disappointed as Hustler’s done a super job and really needs a good break. Two or three months out now will be a good thing and there aren’t any big races until Christmas anyway.

“We’ll make that the aim - we’re a little chance of being back by the summer carnival. But we won’t rush him, we’ll do the right thing by the horse.”

In four months campaigning in Brisbane, The Hustler won five of his 14 starts and A$53,100 in stakes.

“He’s a Group One horse and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come yet.”