Kiwi still troubled by virus

Press, 25 July 1984, Page 34

Kiwi still troubled by virus

Special correspondent Auckland A second attempt by Kiwi on the Melbourne Cup seems to be in the balance. His recovery from a virus infection he suffered earlier in the year is far from complete. His owner-trainer, Mr E. S. (“Snow”) Lupton, of Waverley, said from his home yesterday that Kiwi was giving him some concern. ‘ The horse, Mr Lupton said, came in from a spell about three weeks ago with a cough which he had been unable to shake off. “It’s worrying,” Mr Lupton said. “I’ve had to keep him to trotting since he came in again. He’s a cleanwinded horse and he should come up quickly once he shakes off his cough.” He agreed that would need to be soon. Since his memorable win in the Melbourne Cup last year, Kiwi has had just four races, all in New Zealand.

They were over 2200 m at Awapuni on December 17, 2400 m at Trentham and 2200 m at Awapuni in March, and 2200 m at Hastings in April. In these races Kiwi did not show anything like the form which won for him at Flemington in November. “He developed a bit of congestion through the virus,” Mr Lupton said, “and hasn’t shaken it off.” He said the horse had received veterinary treatment and was at present under medication.

It was much too early to say whether Kiwi’s spring racing programme would be affected. If he undertook the Melbourne trip again his first, and possibly only race would be the Melbourne Cup, on November 6. Handicaps for the Cup are due to be declared next Monday and Kiwi is fairly certain to be one of the topweights. He carried 52kg last year and Mr Lupton expects about 55kg this time.