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Which horse is set to fill Mugatooâs void? Kris Lees is excited about what the spring has to offer. Picture: Mark EvansâGetty Images Comments
Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will be without his stable star Mugatoo for the spring, but he believes heâs found a ready-made replacement.
Mugatoo won’t be back until the new year after suffering a tendon injury when tailing off behind winter sensation Zaaki in the Group 1 Doomben Cup.
It was a bitter blow for Lees and owners Australian Bloodstock after Mugatoo had risen through the ranks to become one of Australia’s best middle-distance gallopers over the past 12 months.
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All-Star Mile winner Mugatoo will be spelled after finishing down the track in last Saturday s $700,000 Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m).
Hugh Bowman eased Mugatoo ($6.50) out of the contest when he finished last, 49.5 lengths behind fellow British import and seven-length winner Zaaki ($2.25 favourite).
Mugatoo was found to be lame in his off foreleg by Racing Queensland vets and will require veterinary clearance prior to racing again.
Australian Bloodstock co-director Jamie Lovett confirmed that Mugatoo s first start in Queensland will be his final outing for this season. We ve just got to do a few more tests, Lovett said. A couple of little issues have come to light so we re just going to see how that all finishes up.