Decision on Copy That pending

In the next few weeks the connections of grand circuit harness racing stallion Copy That (American Ideal) should know whether or not the seven year old can return home to New Zealand and be put back into work.

The dual New Zealand Cup winner last started at Alexandra Park in September, and it was after that run that trainer Ray Green noticed the horse wasn’t at his best. Investigations showed some wear and tear on a knee which needed addressing.

“It was on the third carpal on one knee. There was a bit of cartilage damage. It occurs over a long period of time and eventually it’s caught up with him so we’ve had to address it. It’s quite a common thing with standardbreds, particularly ones that race at the level he is,” Green said.

Copy That which is owned in Australia by Merv and Meg Butterworth was operated on and sent to a rehab farm in Ballarat.

“The clinic is very guarded in their prognosis so I’m not sure what’s happening to be honest, but hopefully he’ll be back in New Zealand in the next two or three weeks. He’s had no expense spared to get him back. He’s earned the money so Merv is giving him every opportunity.”

The Butterworths have been passing on relevant information, but the clinic is tight lipped at this stage until a clear picture of the recovery emerges.

This is Copy That’s second visit to the clinic.

“That’s where he went last time when he broke his splint bone. To be fair the prognosis then was guarded and he came back and won a million dollars including the Cup and The Race By Grins. You never say never, I get asked about him every other day.”

Green says he understands Copy That will have another set of X-rays next week.

“That’ll be his last one and will determine whether he’s good to go or not.”

Copy That has won just over $2 million and thirty five of his sixty eight starts were Group or Listed races.

He’s won six Group One races including two New Zealand Cups. He’s also won six Group Two races, two Group Threes and four Listed events.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink