Written by Paul Vettise
Cambridge Stud has suffered another body blow with a paddock injury forcing the premier nursery to withdraw leading stallion Tavistock (NZ) from service for the remainder of the season.
The devastating news comes off the back of the tragic loss of the outstanding multiple Group 1 winner Roaring Lion (USA), who was due to cover his first book of Southern Hemisphere mares but lost his battle with colic in August.
And now Tavistock will face a lengthy rehabilitation process after a paddock incident.
“He’s suffered a really traumatic hoof injury, just a freak accident in his paddock,” the farm’s Chief Executive Officer Henry Plumptre said.
"He’s injured himself badly enough that we think it’s safer to withdraw him from service and get him right again.”
“He’s injured himself badly enough that we think it’s safer to withdraw him from service and get him right again.” – Henry Plumptre
Tavistock has covered 76 mares out of a large book with 43 in foal and 23 under service.
“It’s bloody frustrating and it will require him to have a foot cast for rehabilitation and we have to go through the full treatment program,” Plumptre said.
“It has been a difficult year and naturally we are disappointed that Tavistock will not be able to complete his book for this season.
“However, long term his health is the only thing that matters, particularly with the representation he has coming through and we will focus on having him back for the 2020 season.”
Better news
On a bright note, the stud-owned Bavella (Snitzel) is in fine form ahead of a crack at the G1 gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton next month.
She has suffered two narrow defeats in the G3 Gold Trail S. and in the G3 Soliloquy S.
Bavella
“She’s earned her place in the field and she’s going to stay a mile,” Plumptre said. “We’re pretty confident she’ll go well.”
Meanwhile, last season’s Karaka Million winner Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) will shortly return to trainer Jamie Richards’ Matamata stable.
Probabeel (NZ)
“There’s no set plan at this stage, but she will go back to Australia in the autumn to either Melbourne or Sydney, wherever it’s not raining,” Plumptre said.
Probabeel’s three-start spring campaign in Sydney wasn’t helped by soft tracks and her efforts to finish runner-up in both the G1 Flight S. and in the G2 Tea Rose S. emphasised her quality.
