The spring carnival is over for Alcopop who has been found to have a slab fracture of the near-fore knee which may require surgery.
Trainer Jake Stephens advised Thoroughbred Racing SA stewards subsequent to Alcopop’s out-of-character performance when last in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 8 that the Jeune gelding had been subjected to extensive veterinary examination which had been inconclusive.
He stated that as Alcopop’s recovery from the run had not pleased him, the seven-year-old gelding had not resumed work.
He confirmed that further extensive veterinary examination, including X-rays, had detected the knee fracture which will sideline him for several months.
Stephens advised that ongoing consultation would decide whether Alcopop underwent surgery.
The winner of nine of his 26 starts, Alcopop finished runner-up to So You Think in last year’s Caulfield Stakes.
Two starts back he ran second to Rekindled Interest in the Group Two Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley after winning the Penny Edition Stakes (1400m) when second-up at Morphettville.
His best win was in the 2009 Group Two Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield over subsequent Melbourne Cup winner Shocking.
He was sent out favourite in the Melbourne Cup at his next start and finished sixth.
AAP TURF
