Revealed: See what the vets found in O’Reilly’s Dancer’s throat that was making him stop

The mystery of why O’Reilly’s Dancer suddenly started stopping badly in his races is a mystery no more.

O’Reilly’s Dancer had never been a star in the Lincoln Farms team in Singapore - he’s winless in 20 starts - but until a couple of months ago he’d always battle on bravely, just a few lengths away, looking for more ground.

And then, three starts ago, up to his preferred 2000 metres, rider Matthew Kellday whipped round five wide on the home turn and said he felt like he was on a winner, only to have O’Reilly’s Dancer put up the white flag and run last.

When the horse ran second last and last in his next two runs, beaten out of sight in his latest start, trainer Shane Baertschiger had him scoped, thinking he might have an entrapped epiglottis, obstructing his airway.

Vets indeed zeroed in on that exact area, at the base of the tongue, but found something they rarely see - an infected epiglottis.

“It looked horrible, and was all ulcerated,” says Baertschiger.

“They didn’t know what caused it but we’ve treated it and it’s come right.”

Three scopes show the recovery of O’Reilly’s Dancer’s infected epiglottis.Baertschiger is pleased to get O’Reilly’s Dancer back to the races at Kranji on Sunday, but he’s not expecting the horse to show up over the 1200 metres of the third race at 6.20pm NZ time.

“We’ll be treating it like a trial to get him started and then we’ll get him up over more ground again.”

O’Reilly Dancer’s only three placings in his career have been over 1800 metres and 2000 metres (twice).

Baertschiger also lines up an out-of-form Silent Prince for Lincoln Farms in the 10th race at 10pm.

“Up to a mile will suit him better and he’ll run an improved race. And any rain about will enhance his chances.”

Silent Prince last won last August over 1600 metres but has managed only two placings in seven subsequent starts.