Our Ivanhowe has to get vet clearance before running in The BMW

Equal favourite Our Ivanhowe has to be cleared by Racing New South Wales’ vet before he can take his place in the Group 1 $1.5m The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Our Ivanhowe, above, has to pass a vet's inspection before being cleared to run in The BMW at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Our Ivanhowe, above, has to pass a vet’s inspection before being cleared to run in The BMW at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Our Ivanhowe found the wet conditions at Rosehill last week to his liking and he ploughed through the mud to score a comfortable win in the Group 1 $700,000 Ranvet Stakes (2000m).

Co-trainer Lee Freedman has been chuckling all week as the wet weather has continued to plague Sydney with another heavy Rosehill track looming for this weekend, but the Hall Of Fame trainer has to make sure that the German import is fit to run after he floundered shortly after the winning post in the Ranvet Stakes.

Freedman is confident that Our Ivanhowe has recovered from the slight setback, but Racing New South Wales Senior Official Veterinarian Dr Craig Suann will inspect the seven year old before giving him the green light to take his place in the 2400m weight for age contest.

“He was just a bit ginger trotting up after the race and we just iced his front legs and that’s standard practice with these old horses,” Freedman told The Daily Telegraph.

“My guys said he was as good as gold Sunday morning.”

Freedman, who trains in partnership with his brother Anthony, also informed Racing New South Wales Stewards that Our Ivanhowe has responded to treatment for some lameness to the off fore leg.

The following statement appeared on the Racing New South Wales website.

“He (Lee Freedman) advised that Our Ivanhowe has been treated to manage the lameness and the horse had been inspected by Dr Allan Frogley who has certified to Racing NSW Stewards that the lameness has continue to improve. Mr Freedman advised that the horse has continued with its usual training regime of swimming and light exercise, particularly backing up in 7 days on Saturday.”

Our Ivanhowe has been dogged with endless foot problems since he arrived from Germany at the beginning of 2015 but Freedman said that the seven year old stayer’s feet are now the best they have been thanks to the skilful work of his stable farriers.

“Touch wood, his feet are excellent and they have been the best they ever have this campaign,” Freedman said.

“He actually has conventional plates on now which we’ve never been able to use on him before, so it’s great.

“It’s a lot of work by our farriers and many shoeings just gradually getting the horse’s feet back to the shape they should be.

“It’s also leaving him barefoot when he spells to allow the hoof to breathe and grow and he has a totally different shape foot (now) to what he had two years ago.”

Golden Slipper winning jockey Ben Melham takes over from the suspended Kerrin McEvoy on Our Ivanhowe who has drawn barrier seven in the nine horse BMW field.

The Ciaron Maher trained Jameka heads the market order for The BMW at $3.80 with Ladbrokes.com.au but Our Ivanhowe continues to firm and is challenging for favouritism at $3.90.

Australian Cup winner Humidor is also well in contention at $4.60 just ahead of last start Sky High Stakes winner Tavago at $5 and Exosphreic at $9.

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.