Up and coming galloper Straight Albert has suffered what could be a career-ending tendon injury in the midst of his autumn Doncaster Mile campaign.
The four-year-old gelding became well known after his impressive winning streak last summer, which saw him remain unbeaten across four runs.
Straight Albert's racing career could be over after suffering a tendon injury - photo (c) Steve Hart
Straight Albert won both the Listed Tattersalls Club Cup and the Listed Gosford Cup in January last year.
Trainer Guy Walter was confident the Magic Albert gelding would be in contention for a shot at the $2 million Doncaster Mile at Randwick later this month.
However, the tendon injury not only put an abrupt end to his Doncaster Mile hopes, but also may end his racing career altogether.
Walter expressed his disappointment over the injury, which came as a complete shock to the team.
“He has suffered a career-threatening tendon injury,” Walter said.
“It is sad for the owners and I probably won’t have a runner in the Doncaster.
“Straight Albert will be given a long break to allow the injury to heal and we’ll see what happens.”
With some tendon injuries being known to heal completely, there is a slim hope that Straight Albert will be able to return for next year’s autumn racing carnival and another tilt at the Doncaster Mile.
Straight Albert has won seven of his 19 career starts in total and has earned just shy of $300,000 in prize money.
The gelding finished ninth in his most recent start in the group 3 Newcastle Newmarket Handicap on March 21.
Straight Albert was due to compete in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill this Saturday.
It would have been the horse’s first attempt at the top echelon of racing.
Trainer Guy Walter will now look to Appearance and Streama in this weekend’s Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes.
Appearance was a late entry for the race after just seven horses featured in the original nominations.
The two stablemates will have to contend with rising superstar Mosheen in the race, who has won both the Group 1 Australian Guineas and Group 1 Rosehill Guineas in her past two starts.
