News & Media

18 June 2012 Hall Sr Has Fears For Im Themightyquinn

Gary Hall Sr is not convinced I'm Themightyquinn can recover from his latest setback and has genuine fears for the champions future.

Hall Sr was rocked yesterday when Im Themightyquinn suffered a heart fibrillation while trialling at Byford and is uncertain of future plans.

Im Themightyquinn, on the comeback trail after his brilliant Inter Dominion win at Gloucester Park earlier in March, was in line to tackle the New Zealand Cup in November.

"Most horses can recover from heart fibrillations but I'm not convinced about Im Themightyquinn because of the type of horse he is and the way he puts everything into his races," said Hall Sr.

"And after they get it once it can keep recurring.

 

"I think Blacks A Fake got it just before he retired and he never came back to his absolute best.

"If Im Themightyquinn suffers a similar fate then retirement would be an option.

"He has done enough and doesn't deserve to go around if he is not anywhere near his top."

Hall Sr said plans for Im Themightyquinn to go for an extended break would be determined after further tests this week.

"My initial reaction was to give him a three month spell," Hall Sr said.

"But Gary (Jnr) was concerned he might get too big and we might not be able to get him back at all."

Hall Sr admitted he was shell-shocked by the stables recent run of bad luck but said there was no option but to keep looking ahead.

"It's been a heartbreaking run," said Hall.

"We lost Gracias Para Nada and Smart VC was a horse who I thought was on the way up.

"We lost him with suspensory ligament injury.

"You get the highs and lows and that's the lot of a horse trainer.

"But you have to keep going and it strengthens your character."