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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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 2: Lincoln Maree
5.55pm
“Frank drove a nice race on her last time, doing a bit of work early before leading and trailing, but I think the result might have been different if she’d led all the way. She has no speed, she’s better in front and rolling, so this week we’ll tell Frank to go forward and to not hand up and hopefully she can go one better.”
Race 4: The Night Fox
6.56pm
“He got KOed last time at Auckland but Harry said he felt like he could have won with a decent draw so we’ll just put that race behind us. I wouldn’t say this field is any harder. We’ve got a bad draw again but it depends on how the race pans out. I think he can still win.”
Race 6: Lincoln Lover
7.58pm
“He’s doing a good job, and he ran home well last time at Cambridge, but Leo Lincoln is definitely the pick of ours.”
Race 6: Leo Lincoln
7.58pm
“He’ll strip a lot fitter and I think he’s a good winning chance. He’s been racing open class horses and this is a huge drop back for him.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.06pm
“I’m not holding my breath. She beat a poor bunch at Cambridge and will have to step up here.”
Race 2: Rivergirl Bella
5.45pm
“Given the right trip, she should finish off not too bad as she has a bit of speed but, after two runs back, she needs to improve.”
Race 7: Missy Lincoln
8.09pm
“She’s only little but she trialled super and got home in 2:00.6 mile rate. If she repeats that, she’ll be in the fray. It’s early days yet but she’s a nice, tractable filly who has drawn well in two and, based on that one trial, you’d have to give her a chance. Whether she improves off it, we’ll see.”
Race 8: Spiritual Bliss
8.34pm
“I don’t think any of the others stand over her. She’s a tough mare who has trained on well. I’d love to see her in front, she’s proven that’s where she goes best, but whether she’ll get there from four is debatable. But I’m sure she’ll go another good race.”
