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Debbie Green wth Copy That after his win in The Race by Grins at Cambridge.

X-rays continue on Copy That’s knee injury and MRI scan in Canterbury a possibility

Copy That might have to fly to the South Island for further investigation if X-rays fail to reveal the exact nature of his knee injury.

Vets in Matamata continue to X-ray Copy That today and trainer Ray Green is hoping to have an answer this afternoon.

“It’s a bone in the knee but whether it’s a stress fracture or an actual fracture we don’t know yet.

“If they can’t find it, the other option is to get an MRI scan.”

Only two equine MRI scanners operate in New Zealand and Green says the Massey machine is booked out for months in advance.

“We can get into the Rangiora clinic and even with the air fare that would be cheaper as Massey is horrendously expensive.

“But we’ve got the best professionals on the job - Kara Watson here and Barbara Hunter at Matamata Veterinary Services are doing a tremendous job and hopefully we’ll know more this afternoon. They’ve taken a lot of X-rays - I’d hate to be getting the bill.”

Green said until the precise nature of the injury is known it’s impossible to speculate on Copy That’s future. But the inquiry by one breeder this morning wanting to send his mare to the horse was premature.

“A bone in the knee is compromised. It may require surgery to be screwed, but at the moment we’re still in the dark.

“Once we know, we can start a programme to bring him back. The best case scenario is he could be back in four months with rehab on a water walker.”

Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Tuesday at Addington

Race 4: The Big Lebowski
1.32pm

“His run at the cup trials on Wednesday has set him up nicely and I’m sure he’ll go well. He’s got the draw (four) and the driver (Blair Orange) and the horse is in a good place at the moment. He should be right in the fray.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday at Addington

Race 12: The Big Lebowski
7.48pm

“He comes in to six with scratchings but there’s plenty of speed inside him so he’s going to need a bit of luck. But I’m sure he’ll go a good race as he’s right on top of his game. He’s pulled up well from cup day.”

Ray Green

Ray’s comments

Friday night at Cambridge

Race 7: Kevin Kline
8.33pm

“I’d say he’s the one to beat. He certainly deserves to be favourite as the others have been around for a while. He’s a big, gangly horse who has time written all over him but he’s getting stronger all the time and he’s doing everything right now. The raw ability is there - he’s got a bit of speed - and he’s been running good fractions at the trials and getting home well.”


Race 11: Commander Lincoln
10.22pm

“Some of these look a lot better than he’s used to running against but they’re in there for a reason. He’s on the second row but he’s always running on and I’m sure he’ll go his usual, honest race.”

Race Images - Harness