Lennytheshark Ruled Out Of Inters
8 December, 2016
Harness
In a major blow for trainer David Aiken and connections of Lennytheshark, the seven-year-old has been ruled out of Friday’s Inter Dominion Final at Gloucester Park.
Lennytheshark had been in gave doubt to take his place in the final after he pulled up sore and was found to be lame following last Friday’s final round of heats.
But after overcoming a foot abscess and completing a solid workout at Byford on Wednesday, the reigning Inter Dominion champion appeared to be back on track.
Lennytheshark only had to pass today’s final vet inspection by Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s (RWWA) Judith Medd to confirm his spot in the field.
But after copping another cruel setback Aiken had no choice but to scratch Lennytheshark and end his bid for back-to-back Inter Dominion crowns.
“Unfortunately Lennytheshark is again sore and will now be a withdrawal from the Inters final,” Aiken said.
“I didn’t want to risk the horse under these circumstances and we ran out of time working against the clock.
“If we had time and another week to prepare for the final there most probably would not have been an issue.
“It was a tough and difficult decision but in the end we all have to look after and take the interest of the horse.
“I just want to say thank you to my vet and staff who have worked tirelessly over the past week to have Lennytheshark ready.”
First emergency The Bucket List, trained by Michael Brennan and to be driven by Michael Grantham, gains a start in the Interdominion final and will commence from gate four.
Despite the untimely scratching, Aiken still holds a commanding grip on the Inter Dominion Final with Lennytheshark’s stable mate, Hectorjayjay, a dominant $2.20 favourite with TABtouch.
A Gloucester Park spokesperson, said it was disappointing to lose a major drawcard in Lennytheshark, but remained confident there were no fitness issues with any other horses ahead of the $1.1 million final.