Rested Hussler Could Resume In Dubai

The Age

Monday October 20, 2008

Andrew Eddy

WEEKEND Hussler will not race again this year and may not resume racing in this country as connections eye-off a group 1 race in Dubai in March.

Trainer Ross McDonald said he was almost certain to spell the four-year-old after he failed to stay the 2400metres of Saturday's Caulfield Cup. But McDonald refuted claims from veterinarians that the gelding was injured after his 12th placing.

"He knew he had a run, there's no doubt about that, but I'd reckon half an hour after the race, he was fine," McDonald said. "There was nothing wrong with him at all other than a little rash came up around his back and shoulders, and that's all."

Stewards noted Weekend Hussler was slightly lame in the off fore-leg after the race and also had a bout of the thumps (similar to hiccups) and a skin allergy.

"He doesn't like the paddock so he won't be out for too long," McDonald said.

McDonald said he learned plenty about the galloper on Saturday. "He can't stay, we know that now. I could have taken the option of running him in the Cox Plate but that might not have told us too much and the last thing I wanted to do is take him overseas for the wrong race.

"But now we have a good idea of what races to target and that 1700-metre race (1777-metre Duty Free) in Dubai might be a good one. He might even head over there early and run in a lead-up race."

McDonald said that while he did his money, he was proud of his horse. "I thought he ran super. On the turn, he was travelling as though he was going to win but he just hit the wall.

"I haven't completely written off him running a middle-distance journey in the future as he'll get stronger as he gets older."

© 2008 The Age

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