Extended spell for Lochinvar Art

[Wandering Eyes]

A philosophical David Moran insists racing fans have not seen the last of superstar Aussie pacer Lochinvar Art.

But he won’t be seen again this year after succumbing to some more “little setbacks” and going to the spelling paddock.

Gone are races like the Group 1 Blacks A Fake in July, Group 1 Victoria Cup in October and Sydney Inter Dominion in December. He was prepost favourite for all three.

“We’re going to give him four months out and forget about this year,” Moran said. “It’s a couple of little setbacks and we got them early. There’s no breaks or anything career-ending, but the advice was eight to 10 weeks in a paddock, so we’re going to be conservative and make that four months.

“It’s no ideal, but that way it guarantees he’ll make it back to 100 per cent health.

“It’s been one of those years for him. It started so well, but it turned on us really quickly.”

Lochinvar Art hasn’t raced since posting his ninth win from his past 10 starts when he brilliantly won the iconic Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton on February 6.

He’s won seven Group 1 races from his 28 wins – and 19 placings – from just 50 starts.

Lochinvar Art was something of a bridesmaid at two and three, but transformed into a megastar last season at four. He’s won over $1.1 million in the past 15 months.

Moran said he and owner Kevin Gordon were seriously considering breeding some mares to Lochinvar Art during his recovery time later in the year.

“There’s a possibility we may register him as a stallion and collect semen from him while he’s out,” he said.

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