Crucial vet. inspection for Mr Shannon

Press, 29 June 1987, Page 28

Crucial vet. inspection for Mr Shannon

NZPA-AAP Brisbane

A crucial veterinary inspection today will determine whether the crack New Zealander, Mr Shannon, could be saved from retirement and run in the sAust2ss,ooo Fourex Cup (2200 m at Doomben on July 11.

Mr Shannon was the early 8-1 Fourex Cup favourite before he bowed a tendon in his near front leg while working on the inside grass at Eagle Farm last Thursday.

The injury prompted the trainer, Bruce Marsh, and connections to declare Mr Shannon’s racing career over.

However, Marsh is amazed by the improvement in the horse’s injured leg.

“The swelling has gone right down but he would have to get a 100 per cent clearance from the vet before we would consider continuing his campaign,” Marsh said.

Marsh denied reports that Mr Shannon would be

given light exercise this morning and is not optimistic of him being given the green light. “You could say we have our hopes up a bit because the leg has improved considerably,” Marsh said.

“But I really cannot see him continuing unless given a clean bill of health by the vet.” A Brisbane vet, Dr Henry Hengge, who looks after the powerful Tommy Smith team in Brisbane, will examine Mr Shannon.