Magical Memory (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}) may have time called on his career after re-aggravating an old injury. The 8-year-old gelding was preparing to return from a two-year layoff at last month's Guineas meeting when he came up slightly lame just days before. A scan before the end of the month will determine his future.
“He was working so well with the likes of Khaadem, but then he was found to be slightly lame in the same leg he injured previously–three days before declaration,” said Sam Hoskins, manager of the Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds syndicate. “He had one scan at the end of last month and the leg still wasn't quite there and he will have another one in the next fortnight. If there is any risk there at all we will retire him.”
Magical Memory's first big-race win came in the Stewards Cup of 2015, and he went on to collect the G3 Abernant S., G2 Clipper Logistics S. and G3 Hackwood S. over the next two seasons for trainer Charlie Hills.
“We were looking forward to having fun in some of those big handicaps with him as he had been eased a few pounds by the handicapper and the signs were still there before his setback that he was enjoying it,” Hoskins said. “He doesn't owe us anything, though, and he has been an honourable servant. We are not going to force him to race again–the leg has got to be better for him to do so.”
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