Injury rules hopeful Tapizar out of Kentucky Derby
Tapizar, the horse who surprised all American horseracing observers when he suddenly burst on to the Triple Crown scene and bagged himself a victory last month in an unexpected turn of events at the Santa Anita, might not be able to showcase his talent in
the Kentucky Derby due to an injury to his knee.
Tapizar’s trainer, Steve Asmussen let the media know on Tuesday that the horse will have to undergo a surgical operation after he crossed the finish post at the Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Saturday. Tapizar barely managed to hold himself up and just managed
to stumble and flop at long odds-on; a still commendable and brave performance for an injured colt with a chip in one of the bones in a knee.
Tapizar, who was sired by stallion Tapit and is currently three years of age, will be flown over to Lexington where he will undergo the procedure, after which he will rest for a period of at least six weeks to recover from the operation.
When speaking to Fort Worth Star Telegram, a newspaper service, trainer Asmussen said that they will do the best they can for the horse and let him take his time to recover fully and properly and he hopes that Tapizar can regain his form and prove his worth
in the horseracing world.
Asmussen acknowledges the fact that the news is indeed extremely sad and disappointing but he wishes that Tapizar’s fans and connections will stay by him in his time of need. He also apologised to each and every person involved with the horse.
Tapizar managed to climb up the list of favourites and secure second place, only one spot behind “top dog” Uncle Mo, who won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, after he exhibited excellent skill by winning throughout the Grade 3 Sham Stakes.
In contrast to his previous performance, Tapizar was barely dragging himself along in Saturday’s Grade 2 contest and worsened still when he fell back into the stretch and only just barely managed to get himself fifth place behind Anthony’s Cross.
Tapizar was considered trainer Asmussen’s main chance at victory in the Kentucky Derby, however, the trainer holds not one but two aces up his sleeve in the form of the Grade 3 winning couple Astrology and Silver Medallion, who are currently located in his
new California barn.
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