Michael Matz’s charge Union Rags sidelined for the rest of 2012
The Michael Matz trained, Union Rags, has sustained an injury to the tendon in his left front leg and, now it seems he will not be able to continue for the rest of the season.
The decision has not been confirmed yet but, Russell Jones, who is an advisor of the colt’s owner and breeder, Phyllis Wyeth, told the media that:
"Mrs. Wyeth is currently evaluating his future plans." Jones also stated: "We will have a statement describing further the injury from Dr. Kathy Anderson at Fair Hill in the morning."
The extent of the injury has not been evaluated and, a firm decision will be made after veterinarian Kathy Anderson provides a statement after a thorough check-up.
The son of Dixie Union, out of mare Tempo, has done his fair share of work this season since, he bagged a victory with an incredible performance in the Grade 2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes, where he conquered the 1 1/16 mile track and defeated Dale Romans’s
charge, News Pending, on 26th February, 2012.
The colt seemed to have suffered a setback when he finished in seventh place behind winner, I’ll Have Another, in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby.
However, this was just a setback as he soon bounced back to compete in the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, where he excelled in the capable hands of rider, John Velazquez.
On 9th June, 2012, the Chadds Ford Stable owned runner delivered his best performance in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, where he completed the distance of 1 ½ miles in 2 minutes and 30.42 seconds, and defeated the Bob Baffert trained,
Paynter.
This is definitely a disappointment since, the three-year-old was lining up for some great victories. Due to the fact that he sustained this injury, he will not be able to compete in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita this fall.
The sophomore’s connections are doing what is in the best interest of the runner by giving him the necessary amount of time off. Once the decision has been made, only then it can be established when the talented colt will return to the track.
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