Racing: Injury puts Bonneval in limbo

Bonneval, ridden here by Matthew Cameron, is currently struggling with a suspensory ligament issue. Photo / File

The racing career of New Zealand's top mare Bonneval is in limbo. Injury has ended her autumn campaign with time to tell if the multiple Group One winner returns to the track.

"There was some swelling around her fetlock joint this morning and a scan has confirmed a suspensory ligament issue," said Andrew Forsman, who trains the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year with Murray Baker.

"Her CV is very good, she's achieved an awful lot, and another scan in 10 days' time will show the full extent of the injury and the prognosis going forward and whether we have another crack in the spring.

"She hasn't got anything left to prove so we'll just have to wait and see what the future holds."

Bonneval had been set to start in today's Haunui Farm WFA Classic at Hastings.

The winner of seven of her 12 starts, Bonneval enjoyed an outstanding three-year-old season with her Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) victory following successes in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (2000m) and the Gr.3 Lowland Stakes (2100m).

She then headed across the Tasman to claim top honours in the Gr.1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.

She returned to Australia in the spring for a first-up win in the Gr.2 Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) followed by a defeat of Hartnell in the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes (1800m).

In more positive news for the stable, Francaletta and Weather With You have arrived safely in Sydney.

"They travelled well and Francaletta will run at Randwick on Saturday week," Forsman said.
- NZ Racing Desk