Pembrook Playboy scratched from NZ Cup

Southland trainer Nathan Williamson has had to scratch Pembrook Playboy from Tuesday’s New Zealand Cup.

An emotional Williamson said less than an hour ago “You grow up in harness racing thinking about the New Zealand Cup. It’s like the Rugby World Cup for our sport. It’s been a tough day. I’ve rung the owner and the club to scratch him.”

The horse injured one of his hind legs and Williamson’s unsure of how or when it happened.

“We’ve done a lot of tests and it’s too soon to say what the issue is and whether he can come back. We’re not 100% sure.”

Pembrook Playboy (Bettor’s Delight) ran an unlucky third at his last start in the Ashburton Flying Stakes, while at his previous start he led and was run down in the Canterbury Classic won by South Coast Arden.

“You put your heart and soul into it and this happens. I was growing in confidence every day that he’d be a chance. It’s so hard.”

by Bruce Stewart