by Michael Howard
Grand Circuit pacing superstar Hectorjayjay is likely to be ruled out of the Allied Express Victoria Cup and Perth Inter Dominion after a lesion was discovered.
Part-owner Mick Harvey said the syndicate was shattered their David Aiken-trained superstar would likely be sidelined for an extended period, having suffered what they believed was a small tear in his front off-side leg.
“Everyone involved with the horse is devastated,” Mr Harvey said.
“I am also sad for the public, because in my eyes he is the most exciting pacer in Australia and had it all in front of him.
“This hurts big time, but we just hope the further scans come up pretty good early next week and he comes through.”
Winner of July’s $200,540 2017 Ubet Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship, Hectorjayjay has amassed more than $1.1 million in stakes and owners hoped the six-year-old would go one better in December’s Inter Dominion, having placed second last year.
“He’s never looked better or been better and was working toward the Victoria Cup,” Mr Harvey said.
“But in the third phase of his trackwork he didn’t pull up well and scans revealed a lesion.”
Yesterday’s grim discovery will be verified with further scans likely to take place early next week.
“He will have a more detailed scan when the swelling goes down. The early prognosis is he will be out for six to 12 months. It’s one of those things that takes time for it to rehab.”
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