Tommy Lincoln in typical pose, running along in front at Alexandra Park. PHOTO: Megan Liefting/Race Images.
Bone chips in both ankles stop brave Tommy but Ray says it’s only a hiccup
By Barry Lichter • 14 December 2020
Tommy Lincoln’s golden spring and summer is over after he was diagnosed at the weekend with bone chips in both front ankles.
Trainer Ray Green noticed swelling in the horse’s ankles the morning after he beat one home in the Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup.
X-rays taken by his vet Lindsay Colwell revealed the chips which Green said were a “decent” size as they were fairly obvious.
“They need to come out so hopefully we can get that done soon.”
Tommy Lincoln will have arthroscopic surgery done by Veterinary Associates’ specialist Lacy Kamm.
“The prognosis is usually good but chips can do damage to cartilage if they swish round in the joint. We won’t know the extent of the damage until they go in. She may need to tidy it all up.”
Green says while it’s impossible to know when the injury happened, driver Andre Poutama reported after the race that Tommy had hit his knee a few times in the running.
“He didn’t track up that good on Friday night so he probably had an issue then,” Green said.
Part-owner Debbie Sparks records Tommy Lincoln’s heroic return to scale after the Summer Cup.Despite that, Tommy Lincoln still finished only 5.9 lengths behind winner Spankem, showing the bravery that has earmarked his racing all season.
“The injury isn’t life threatening - it’s just inconvenient as it will keep him away from the races for a few months.
“But he’s done a super job so we can’t complain.”
In 12 starts this season Tommy has racked up four wins and three seconds for earnings of $51,455.
His best win came just 10 days ago when he downed superstar stablemate Copy That in the Summer Cup with a trademark all-the-way win.
On October 30 he also paced a 1:54.4 mile in beating former top liner Star Galleria over a mile.
His career record now stands at eight wins and five placings from 26 starts for $93,515.
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Ray’s comments
Tuesday at Addington
Race 9: Debbie Lincoln
4.03pm
“She’s drawn out but I think she’s got the gate speed to be put into the race. You’ve got to be handy to beat the good ones and we don’t want to be stuck behind some of the others. The one drawn two inside us, Arafura, looks the one to beat but Debbie is as good as anything in the race in my opinion. It’s not going to be easy but I’m hopeful. She’s done well down here and is in good shape.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Cambridge
Race 5: Im Not The Maid
6.17pm
“The draw helps and while she’s very honest she still needs to improve. Gary Hall said she was a bit stop-start last time but he cut corners and wasn’t too far away at the finish. He reckoned his toe rope broke at the top of the straight.”
Race 8: Lincoln Maree
7.49pm
“She showed no speed when resuming and it’s hard to see her playing a part in this.”
Race 8: Lincoln Downs
7.49pm
“She went the best of them last time, was hampered turning or home, and could improve.”
Race 8: Jessie Lincoln
7.49pm
“She’s a big filly but so far, so good. There are a few negatives, like the second row draw and it being her first time under lights, but I think she could go quite well. It’s not a wonderful lot against her and she’s training well.”
Race 8: Lincoln’s Spice
7.49pm
“She over-raced early first-up and burned herself out. She’s a delicate little thing but we’ll put some plugs in her this week. Last time in I thought she could be the best of them. Whether the others have caught her up or she’s gone backwards I don’t know.”
