Atlantic Jewel may miss autumn

Trainer Mark Kavanagh may put star filly Atlantic Jewel in cotton wool this autumn despite favourable vet results.

An extensive scintigraphy bone tests (nuclear medicine scan) on the filly at Werribee Veterinary Clinic showed back soreness but no bone damage.

Atlantic Jewel was sore after her Wakeful Stakes win on Derby Day a fortnight ago, with the injury originally diagnosed as a hamstring tear.

“The scintigraphy tests showed there are some hot spots indicating stress along her back,” Kavanagh said.

“But the scans showed no bone damage.

Kavanagh did not rule out campaigning in the autumn, but said he had no set race plans for Atlantic Jewel.

He said his main aim was to get her back to full health.

Atlantic Jewel has won all five starts, including the Group 1 Thousand Guineas.

She was a $1.15 chance to win the Crown Oaks but was withdrawn after he Wakeful

Despite rumours that her owners Coolmore Stud are thinking of sending the filly to Europe, those plans have been quashed.

“If she was a colt they would consider overseas, at this stage she’s staying here,” Kavanagh said.

“She can earn more here.”

About The Author