By Tim Wilkin
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Trainer Wesley Ward said it was his fault that 'TDN Rising Star' Long Neck Paula (Uncle Mo), the 2-1 morning-line favorite in Thursday's Astoria S., was scratched by the stewards.
Ward said he took Long Neck Paula to Burke Equine Therapy to go in a cold water spa on Wednesday.
Unbeknownst to Ward, there is a rule stating that permission must be granted by the stewards before a horse can be taken off the grounds for such treatment.
“I didn't know, it's my own fault,” Ward said by phone. “The stewards gave me a warning, and believe me, I understand. If this is what you got to do, then this is what you got to do. It's not a problem for me. I want to abide by the rules and there will be no issues moving forward.”
Ward said he saw no rule about this on any overnights or in the condition book, but he was assured the rule was in place.
Burke Equine Therapy is about six miles away from Saratoga Race Course.
Ward took the 2-year-old filly there for cold water treatment, something he does with his horses in Kentucky as well.
“After workouts, I take them to the spa, before workouts or races … you try to do all you can so they can feel good naturally,” Ward said. “Every one of my horses has been to a spa and I love it. We are in a no-medication country, so anything you can do naturally to get them sound you do.”
Long Neck Paula, owned by Will Stroud, broke her maiden in her first start by 3 1/2 lengths, which earned her 'TDN Rising Star' honors at Churchill Downs May. 2.
“If I would have known there was a rule, I would certainly have called and asked,” Ward said. “I'm not arguing and I'm not mad. It was my bad. I will know moving forward. It's just a shame, because she was ready to run.”
#13 Long Neck Paula wins on debut going gate-to-wire in R3 at Churchill Downs for trainer Wesley Ward with @ljlmvel in the saddle! 🌟
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/0d5UMcGtJz
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2024
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