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Roman Boy to be retired from racing
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November 2007
Following requests
from a number of shareholders we have decided to post an update on the
welfare of Roman Boy, even though his share period closed at the end of
October.
As many shareholders were aware he was due to go to the sales but was
withdrawn as he suffered an injury a matter of days before his date at
Doncaster. He was withdrawn from the sale, something which in hindsight
the Ownaracehorse team and trainer Stef Liddiard were quite relieved
about.
A scan last week on his troublesome tendon revealed that it was severely
strained and the decision was taking to retire him. Stef Liddiard
explained: “In hindsight I’m glad we found out a few days before
Doncaster because that was a racing sale and if he’d gone through the
ring there we might have lost track of him and in truth I don’t think
his tendon is going to stand racing.”
The scan did though allow us the opportunity to plan a future for Roman
Boy because although badly strained – his tendon will heal. The plan is
for ‘Boysie’ to stay at Stef’s for two to three months and get full box
rest in an environment where we know he is comfortable and will be cared
for.
Into 2008 Stef and the Ownaracehorse team will be looking for a new home
for Roman Boy and it is hoped that he can be sold or placed privately in
order that we can do our best to make sure he gets the best possible
care. Though his tendon won’t stand racing he has the sort of passive
nature that will allow him any number of roles for a horse – a hack or
in a riding school for instance. That though is a decision for next
year.
Roman Boy returns to winners enclosure at Kempton
Stef explained to shareholders at the Yard Visit on 25 November that she
was passionate about the care of her horses after they have left her
yard to retire. “Regardless of their ability, they have done their best
for you and so it is only right and proper that I do my best for them
when they leave my care. I often receive cards and photographs of
horses I used to train showing me what they are up to now.”
As the final owners of Roman Boy in his racing career we fully support
Stef and will do everything we can to ensure that the welfare of the
horse is paramount in any decision that is made on his future.
Stef leads Roman Boy
Despite not managing a win Roman Boy seemed to really capture the hearts
of many of his shareholders. Even though he had a three month lay off
in the summer due to an injury he managed 15 runs for shareholders. He
was never beaten more than 10 lengths.
He certainly had his quirks as anybody who saw him put his head in the
air at Brighton will testify, but he also ran some very good races in
the Ownaracehorse colours. He was placed four times and was very
unlucky on his penultimate run at Kempton not to get his head in front.
Tolley Dean had suggested that holding him right up was worth trying – a
tactic that so nearly paid off as Tolley and Boysie scythed through the
entire field along the Kempton straight only to find the post arriving
20 yards too soon finishing only a length behind the winner.
For all the shareholders who were along on the rollercoaster ride that
‘Boysie’ gave us we thought you would appreciate knowing that he looks
to have a long and happy retirement ahead of him.
Back at home and recuperating.
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