French trotter withdrawn from Aussie Group One

Injury has robbed one of harness racing’s premier events – the Great Southern Star – of its French group winner Used To Me.

Tthe Anton Golina-trained stallion pulled up lame after impressively winning a trial at Menangle recently.

The flashy chestnut stallion distanced his rivals as he carved out the mile trial in a slick 1.57.6, but was sore after the race and his  trainer’s worst fears were realized shortly afterwards.

As such, Used To Me will miss the Group One at Tabcorp Park Melton on March 7.

“Unfortunately Used To Me has pulled up with a strain to a ligament due to losing a shoe in his most recent trial win at Menangle, and on vet’s  advice, he will have to have 12 weeks to recover,” Golina said.

“It's unfortunate as the horse trialled super with reinsman Luke Mcarthy saying he felt great and was just jogging.”

Used To Me won several group races in France where he also stood at stud before relocating to Australia last year, where he has been preparing for the Great Southern Star at Golina’s Kemps Creek barn.

He also served a small, but select, group of mares, including New Zealand Trotting Oaks winner Commander Jewel  (TR2.00.5. 10 wins, $61,000)  and the good winners I’m Ready Set (TR1.56.6, 10 wins $69,000), Speedy Naomi (TR2.03.9, 15 wins $77,000) and Another Player (TR2.03.9, 9 wins $62,000).

Video link 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtshbO4cyI4

• HRV Media