The Conglomerate, winner of last year’s Vodacom Durban July but only 13th this time, had an operation yesterday to remove a chip from his near-fore joint.
Joey Ramsden said: “It happened in the race and is the reason why he didn’t let down.”
However stable companion Brutal Force is reported back on song for Saturday’s Mercury Sprint after suffering a freak accident in the Tsogo Sun Sprint at Scottsville. The five-year-old started third favourite that day but trailed in a long way last and the course vet reported him to be not striding out on his right fore.
Ramsden said: “Piere Strydom told me that after 50 to 100 metres the horse got something very sharp in his eye and, when he came back to the stables that evening, this eye was closed. He also picked up an infection in it from the bit of track that hit him.
“He is back to his best now but he has a ridiculous task from his 12 draw. On the all-weather at Greyville you’ve got a chance from a wide draw but it’s very hard on the turf course. Having Anton Marcus is a big help but we are still going to need a miracle.”
Ramsden has long complained about poor draws in KZN features – two years ago Act Of War had a Durban holiday after being repeatedly scratched from wide draws – and he added: “Every year we seem to get hit with wide ones and in the Merchants I don’t think I have ever caught a decent draw.”
By Michael Clower
