Harbinger seriously injured

convert

Harbinger 'a long shot' to return after leg injury
By Graham Dench 3:49PM 7 AUG 2010

HARBINGER was described as "a long shot" to return to racing after he suffered a condylar fracture of his near-fore cannonbone (front left shin) following exercise in Newmarket on Saturday morning.


Harry Herbert, managing director of owners Highclere, described the news as a "bitter blow" to the horse's many fans while his King George jockey Olivier Peslier said he was "very, very disappointed".


Harbinger had been working over seven furlongs on the Limekilns gallop in Newmarket with stablemate Ask when suffering the injury.

The son of Dansili, who is rated the best horse in the world following his record-breaking King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, was undergoing surgery on the injury on Saturday afternoon.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old looks set to miss the remainder of the season but connections still hope that he may be able to return next season.

John Warren, director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and the purchaser of Harbinger as a yearling, said on Saturday afternoon: "The burning question is whether he will race again. It's a long shot but he is just about to go into surgery and I'll have more ideas in the next hour or so.

"It's a condylar fracture of his near-fore cannonbone and it will require two screws. It's not life-threatening and he's comfortable."

In a later statement, Highclere managing director Harry Herbert said: "This is a bitter blow for all twelve of Harbinger's owners and indeed all who are closely concerned with the horse, as well as his many fans for whom he has become an icon following his amazing King George victory.

"A decision as to Harbinger's future will be taken imminently."

Peslier, whose only ride on Harbinger was his 11 length win in the King George last month, said: "I'm very, very disappointed to hear the news.

"For a jockey, winning the King George is always special, but winning on Harbinger was, very special, because he broke the track record and he beat a good field by 11 lengths."

Following the news Rip Van Winkle was made 11-8 favourite for the Juddmonte International at York by Coral and Paddy Power. Fame And Glory is 5-2 favourite for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe while Coral go 3-1.

From the Racing Post website

mike65

Hmm I doubt Stoute will really feel the need to risk him again, as things stand Harbinger will recover to live another day, if he races that may be a very short run and a second break would probably be curtians. Which would be unfair on the animal.

UrbanSea

It's a pity. I wanted to see him run again,just so people won't think that he is the 'best horse in the world'. One run doesn't make a horse,it can confirm it,but that was the first time it ran anything like that.

convert

...

King George hero Harbinger retired

HARBINGER, the world's highest rated racehorse, has been retired from racing. The four-year-old colt, who won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes by 11 lengths, suffered a fractured leg on Saturday and underwent surgery at Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket the same day.

Harry Herbert, of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming the decision to retire Harbinger.

Herbert said: "It is with regret that it has been decided to retire Harbinger from racing. Thanks to the professionalism of the veterinary surgeons - Bruce Bladon of O’Gorman Slater & Main, Andrew Bathe of Rossdale & Partners and Antony Clements of Baker & McVeigh - the operation which was undertaken at Rossdales Hospital in Newmarket has been very successful.

"We are pleased to report that thankfully the horse is recovering well. The decision to retire Harbinger is based on the welfare of the horse which is paramount to all concerned. The owners, for whom this is very sad, are naturally sorry that their great horse has had his racing career cut short.

"However, Harbinger has given all concerned the ultimate thrill at the very highest level. The highest rated horse in the world, Harbinger won six of his nine starts and is undefeated this year.

"In winning the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot so impressively and then producing one of the greatest performances of all time to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes by 11 lengths in record time, Harbinger has confirmed himself as one of the all time greats."

Source.

UrbanSea

''Harbinger has confirmed himself as one of the all time greats''.
Bull****,it was a great performance,but one race doesn't make a horse great. Especially a horse with one group 1 win beside its name.

HigginsJ

Statements about "greatest horse ever" are ludicrous. A horse has won one group one (albeit very impressive) has alot to prove. Sad he wont get the chance but cannot be considered great.