By Adam Hamilton
The racing future of Hunter Cup winner Bling It On remains uncertain after a nasty fall in his comeback race at Albion Park on Saturday night.
A pick-up drive for Kiwi reinsman Mark Jones from a thrill to a nightmare when Bling It On was looming into the race on the final bend, but copped a check and crashed heavily to the track.
It was an ugly fall and Bling It On appeared to land heavily on his knees.
The Craig Cross-trained star was rushed to the Gatton University veterinary section where his legs, especially his knees, were cleaned and treated.
“In short, he’s got two badly injured knees,” owner P. O’Shea said. “The left knee is in a splint and the right one is heavily bandaged. He will spend at least the next two weeks at Gatton University recovering.
“The vets think he will be ok as long as there is no infection.”
Stable spokesman and regular driver Luke McCarthy said making Bling It On comfortable and giving him every chance to recover was the first priority.
“He’s obviously out of the rest of the Winter Carnival, but beyond that time will tell as far as racing again,” he said.
The race was Bling It On’s first start since the Miracle Mile at Menangle in late February.
Bling It On’s crash was just one ingredient of a truly odd race.
The first twist came when experienced driver Chris Petroff, aboard the leader Hokonui Ben, appeared to mistake the laps and go for home when there was still a lap to run.
Stewards suspended him for six weeks.
Petroff’s drive played a big part in the race being run upside down with a 57.7sec middle half, which suited grand old stayer Avonnova who simply out-toughed his rivals in a 60.1sec last half and 30.6sec closing quarter.
The rising 11-year-old Avonnova has posted two wins and two seconds from four runs since being plucked out of retirement by trainer Ian Gurney.
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