Debbie Green wth Copy That after his win in The Race by Grins at Cambridge.
X-rays continue on Copy That’s knee injury and MRI scan in Canterbury a possibility
By Barry Lichter • 4 October 2023
Copy That might have to fly to the South Island for further investigation if X-rays fail to reveal the exact nature of his knee injury.
Vets in Matamata continue to X-ray Copy That today and trainer Ray Green is hoping to have an answer this afternoon.
“It’s a bone in the knee but whether it’s a stress fracture or an actual fracture we don’t know yet.
“If they can’t find it, the other option is to get an MRI scan.”
Only two equine MRI scanners operate in New Zealand and Green says the Massey machine is booked out for months in advance.
“We can get into the Rangiora clinic and even with the air fare that would be cheaper as Massey is horrendously expensive.
“But we’ve got the best professionals on the job - Kara Watson here and Barbara Hunter at Matamata Veterinary Services are doing a tremendous job and hopefully we’ll know more this afternoon. They’ve taken a lot of X-rays - I’d hate to be getting the bill.”
Green said until the precise nature of the injury is known it’s impossible to speculate on Copy That’s future. But the inquiry by one breeder this morning wanting to send his mare to the horse was premature.
“A bone in the knee is compromised. It may require surgery to be screwed, but at the moment we’re still in the dark.
“Once we know, we can start a programme to bring him back. The best case scenario is he could be back in four months with rehab on a water walker.”
More news in Harness
Worse draw puts unlucky Tyson in better spot to win at Auckland on Friday night
Debbie Lincoln’s home stretch burst pointer of things to come; but her draw rankles on Friday
Streets’ donation raises $100,000 for charity and Timmy could be a supermarket special
Sugar Ray Lincoln and Kevin Kline in fighting form for Friday night at Auckland
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: What’s Up The Hill
5.33pm
“He hasn’t raced for more than four months but he’s trotting well in training and has had a couple of workouts. He steps well so if Fergie can keep him away from the others, and he slides on from the 20 metre mark, he could even lead, and that would make him the one to beat. It doesn’t take much for him to lose concentration though.”
Race 4: Lincoln La Moose
6.23pm
“He hasn’t raced for a while but should go well. He finished off his workout really well on a 26.9 quarter for a close fourth behind some good ones (Greased Lightnin, Beetastic and Diamonds Are Forever). He beat himself in his last few runs by racing too keenly but he’s capable enough.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Debbie Lincoln
5.30pm
“She went to the line under a hold last week. She’s right up there with the best of them but you’re no chance when you get back like that. She hasn’t got a good draw again but it’s a small field and hopefully they won’t walk and only sprint home. Joyride looks the one to beat.”
Race 3: Tyson
6.23pm
“He was definitely beaten by the draw last week. He never got the chance to get out. From five this time he won’t get jammed up and can go forward and put himself in the race.”
Race 6: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.52pm
“Sugar Ray has a tad more speed than Kevin, but he had to sit parked for the last 1200 metres last week. You’d think he’ll get a good trip this time from the inside draw.”
Race 6: Kevin Kline
7.52pm
“Kevin is as honest as they come. He’s a bit more genuine than Sugar Ray. He closed fast from the back last Friday and is better suited over 2200 metres this week.”
