Dual Champion Chase winner Master Minded may never race again after picking up a career-threatening tendon injury during the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
While owner Clive Smith’s Kauto Star won the race, his other runner Master Minded pulled up lame after he struck into himself during the race at Kempton on Boxing Day (Monday, 26 December).
“There were definitely mixed emotions,” Clive told H&H. “It’s a tremendous shame. Master Minded has had an operation on the tendon, but we just have to hope he doesn’t get any infections now. Once they have an injury like this it’s hard to get them back.”
The eight-year-old was taken to Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons in Newmarket for treatment. He underwent surgery on Monday night and is due to remain at Rossdales for a month.
Master Minded has won eight Grade One races in his career including two Cheltenham Champion Chases (2008, 2009) and two Tingle Creeks (2008, 2010). He most recently won the Grade One Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot on 19 November.
