Stig with trainer Paul Nairn. Photo / Mark Mitchell
There is light at the end of the tunnel for trotting superstar Stig.
The five-year-old was everybody's favourite for last Friday's $150,000 Dominion Handicap until he succumbed to a broken sesamoid bone last Wednesday, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
But his trainer Paul Nairn
says early indications are surgery Stig underwent on Thursday was a success.
"These things are always tricky but the vet seems pretty happy," said Nairn. "He took two pieces of bone out and had to cut away a little section of tendon, but not too much.
"We are hopeful of getting him back next season."
Stig will spend at least three months out of training but will only be six next season - young for a trotter.
"I am trying to be upbeat about it," said Nairn.
"If the problem was what made him trot so roughly on occasions this season, then potentially he could even come back better next season.
"Nothing is certain after an injury like this but all the early signs are pleasing," said Nairn.
Stig was rated the next big thing in Australasian trotting by many rival trainers after two huge wins upon his arrival in open class.
However his injury has left the way clear for One Over Kenny to keep her crown as the Queen of Trotting, even though she was beaten in the Dominion.
The great mare went an enormous race after starting off a 15m handicap in her first race since May and will now head north to contest mobile races at Alexandra Park and Cambridge.
She will be joined by Dominion winner Mountbatten, runner-up Houdini Star and most of the other top trotters in the country, providing a huge boost to northern clubs in the next six weeks.
But two trotters who won't be returning north are Whatsundermykilt and Glenbogle, who are booked to head to Melbourne in the next week.
They will stay there until the Interdominions in March along with Pukekohe trotter Galleons Sunset.
He will be campaigned in two group one events at Moonee Valley next month by trainer Derek Balle before joining Australia's leading trotting trainer, Chris Lang, for a summer campaign.
"He is a better horse left-handed and mobile racing will suit him," said Balle.
