Wetagain could return

Press, 11 May 1984, Page 20

Wetagain could return

PA Auckland Wetagain is given by his trainer, Jim Smith, an excellent chance of resuming a racing career which was cut short two years ago by a broken pedal bone. Since he began a fresh preparation, Wetagain has shown no signs of discomfort and Smith feels the horse could be ready to race towards the end of next month. Wetagain was the leading two-year-old pacer in the North Island two seasons ago, gaining four wins, and six placings 13

starts. He looked a big chance in the New Zealand Juvenile Championship until he broke down only a .week before the premier event for two-year-olds. Wetagain was lame after finishing second to Lyndon Robert in the leadup race, the Lordship Mobile Stakes. It was found he had broken a pedal bone in the off foreleg. After treatment, he was boxed for four months bn Smith’s property and then spent four months in the paddock.

He made such good progress when brought back into training that he was lined up at a trials meeting at Pukekohe. But the leg “went” again. This time, an operation was performed. After the operation, he was boxed for five months, walked for a month and jogged for six weeks. Only now is he being given stronger work. Wetagain, an entire by Mark Lobell from Shower On, showed exceptional speed in his first season. He still holds the Cambridge 2200 m record for two-year-dds of§2min 51.75.