Trainer Rob Heathcote has lost another of his rising stars to injury with emerging stayer Simmering expected to be sidelined for a year.
Simmering was due to make his comeback in the Carlton Draught Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday en route to his summer mission in the Listed Bernborough Handicap (1615m) at Doomben at the end of the month.
The four-year-old, who it was hoped would be a Caulfield Cup prospect next spring, bowed a tendon working on the dirt track at Eagle Farm on Thursday.
It is the fifth injury setback in the past month for Heathcote who has lost Work The Room, Redessi, Cavaliered and Teepoh with similar injuries.
Heathcote’s woes have been further compounded with talented sprinter Solzenhitsyn ruled out of the Doomben Summer Series while stablemate Khaanantes pulled up sore after finishing fifth on debut at Eagle Farm last month.
Heathcote, who is chasing his fourth straight Brisbane trainers’ premiership, has also endured a frustrating run of placings in the past month.
“I can’t believe my bad luck this season. I’m having one of those runs and I just want to kick the cat and the dog,” Heathcote said.
“I’ve had an incredible run of having no injuries for two years and now I’ve had this happen.
“I’ve had 30-odd placings this season as well but it’s not all doom and gloom.”
Heathcote said early advice from his veterinarian was that Simmering would require a 12 month break from racing.
“Long term I thought he was a spring horse and possibly a Caulfield Cup horse,” Heathcote said.
“He was going brilliantly this campaign.
“I’ve had a shocking run and to make matters worse after losing Work The Room with the same injury, I’ve had to spell Solzenhitsyn.
“His first run when he ran sixth behind Skating On Ice was so out of character I had him vetted and discovered he had a virus.”
Heathcote is hoping his luck will change when he saddles up Humma and Fillydelphia in the Listed Recognition Stakes (1600m).
He is looking to a repeat of their last start quinella on November 19 when Fillydelphia beat Humma in the Listed Brisbane Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
“Fillydelphia is a quality mare and she’s in-form and Humma is a good old stayer with a chance again,” he said.
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