Alligator Blood set to be retired following injury

[Wandering Eyes]

Alligator Blood ridden by Tim Clark winning the 2023 Might And Power at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Champion thoroughbred Alligator Blood, may have concluded his illustrious career following a nasty injury sustained during trackwork, as expressed by owner Jeff Simpson.

“It’s just one of those things, it happened at track work last Saturday morning,” Simpson lamented regarding the unforeseen setback that has cast doubt on the seven-time Group 1-winner’s future races.

The injury, reportedly in his pastern, has left connections apprehensive about Alligator Blood’s return to competitive racing, with Simpson admitting, “I wouldn’t think that he’d come back, that’s my opinion.”

Despite a promising trial at Rosehill just days prior, the anticipated autumn debut in the CF Orr Stakes is now off the table, leaving co-trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott disheartened.

Simpson emphasised the collective disappointment, stating, “Gai is very upset about it, we are all really upset about it.”

Reflecting on Alligator Blood’s remarkable journey, Simpson highlighted the horse’s resilience in overcoming adversity, notably the diagnosis of kissing spine, which initially threatened his career.

“It’s amazing what we’ve been able to get out of him,” Simpson remarked, acknowledging the remarkable achievements despite earlier setbacks.

While hopes were high for an autumn campaign, Simpson expressed resignation, acknowledging the possibility that the racing world may have seen the last of Alligator Blood in action.

However, amidst the uncertainty, there remains a glimmer of hope for the future as Simpson affirmed, “He will recover, and he will end up at Living Legends, that’s where we always wanted him to finish.”

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