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.
More news in Harness
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OK Sammy, lightning bolts aside, Ray’s relying on you to do things right this time
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Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Colonel Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s come through his two runs well and we can be bolder with him from a front row draw.”
Race 2: Sugar Ray Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s in good shape and you can’t fault what he’s doing. I don’t think the (seven) draw should make a lot of difference - he’s been parked in his last two and still got money. You wouldn’t take a trifecta without putting him in.”
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.23pm
“He’s racing really well and just needs a bit of luck from the second row. He’s trained on well and should go well again. ”
Race 4: Rivergirl Bella
6.27pm
“She only has a little sprint but, if she doesn’t have to do too much, she can get home well.”
Race 4: Jessie Lincoln
6.27pm
“She’ll win a race or two, and will get one soon as she’s honest, but she’s still very green. And to be fair to her, she hasn’t had a decent enough run where you can really judge her yet.”
Race 8: Lincoln Wave
8.38pm
“Based on the draws, Sammy looks a better chance than Lincoln Wave. Not many win from out there, especially in a Group I race. But I suppose he had a similar draw at Cambridge (six) and got lucky (squeezing into the trail when Nymbal broke) so you never know what can happen. It won’t be easy for him but it would be nice to see him get a good trip as I think he’ll handle the 2700 metres as well as the others.”
Race 8: Sammy Lincoln
8.38pm
“If he can hold up, that would be marvellous as if anything can give Jumal a fright, it’s him. I know he’s still a maiden but he’s better than most of them ability-wise. He’s a classy big bugger who is very fast and if he ends up on Jumal’s back he’d be dangerous. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the fray as he has such a lot of ability.”
Rac e 10: Prince Lincoln
9.37pm
“If the real Prince Lincoln turned up he’d be in the money, but you never know with him.”
