Jimmy’s future still up in the air

The racing future of $5 million colt Jimmy is still up in the air as he slowly recovers from laminitis as a result of complications from a spider bite.

Black Caviar's half brother Jimmy is recovering slowly from a spider bite.

Jimmy, the half brother to Black Caviar, above, is recovering slowly from a spider bite. Photo by Bruno Cannatelli.

Jimmy, a half-brother to the unbeaten champion Black Caviar, by Redoute’s Choice x Helsinge, brought an Australasian record for the highest priced yearling when sold at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in April.

Jimmy’s condition deteriorated dramatically last week when he developed a reaction to the antibiotics that were being used to treat the spider bite, possibly that of a white tail spider, resulting in the onset of laminitis.

Simon Marshall’s BC3 Thoroughbreds released a statement on twitter this morning stating that Jimmy had had a much more comfortable weekend and was preparing to ease off his medication and a clearer picture of his future would be known in a couple of days.

“Jimmy had a comfortable weekend, he is eating well and was much happier within himself. There has been no deterioration of his condition and he remains stable.

“The plan is to ease him off his medication and see how he responds.”

“We do not expect to have any news on his long-term prognosis for at least a couple of days.

“There has been no deterioration of his condition and he remains stable.”

“For now he is under the best care” Marshall sent out on twitter.

Prior to his latest condition, Jimmy had been progressing well under the care for Team Hawkes and had been broken in and was coping well with his early education program.

“We were working closely with Johnny Hawkes and he was broken in,” Marshall said.

“He had a good couple of months at BC3 and he was sent to Flemington at John’s there to have a full education.

“He trotted, walked and cantered on all tracks and rolled up a couple of evens I believe.”

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.