From The Paddock

Kitchwin without the Hills - Dust Storm 23rd September 2009

Vet Talk - Foal Stripping

With the season now in full swing, newborn foals are a daily occurence on farms throughout the Hunter Valley. Given the pressures and stresses involved with racing and the competitive nature of yearling sales it is imperative that the foals are as "correct" as possible.

By this we mean that the foal"s forelegs are straight when viewed from front on (see picture above) with as little deviation as possible. This is because of the massive forces transmitted through a galloping horse"s legs - 70% of their weight is suspended over the forelimbs making it critical to their soundness that these forces are spread uniformly.

We attack this from a couple of different angles, firstly the foals are assessed from the day they are born and are scored on their conformation, they are then followed through and corrective trimming is applied where necessary. Management along with our specialist farrier and vet are in close consultation to ensure a positive outcome.

Some issues are beyond corrective trimming so a medical intervention is required, this is called a "Periosteal Elevation" or "stripping".

This involves aggravation of the periosteum above the growth plate at the site of the deformity which aims to accelerate bone growth which consequently straightens the limb. The growth plates are above the joints (knee and fetlock) and are where new bone is laid down as the foal grows. This procedure is performed under general anaethesia.

Used in conjuction with corrective trimming, these procedures can be extremely effective at straightening deformities thus maximising returns in the sale ring as well as soundness on the racetrack.

Over the next few weeks we will follow the filly pictured on the right to show you the "before" and "after" of a periosteal "strip".

Post stripping - after her anaesthetic, a comforting drink is called for

Quote of the Week

From Manly and NSW Rugby League legend Ben Kennedy
"Mate I watched "Bred To Win" last night. Is it in Mick"s contract that every time that Dane Shadow covers a mare, he has to eat 10 pies?"

Foal of the Week

This week"s foal comes from the highly consistent Group placed mare Spinner"s Magic. A lovely filly by the stallion everybody is talking about and predicting as the new kid on the block - Stratum. A good first foal! Well done to Noel and Pauline Carroll.

Weekend Acceptances

FROM THE PADDOCK RUNNERS

Friday September 25

Australia
MVRC
9:20pm Race 6 Manikato S. Gr.1, A$500000 1200m
Phelan Ready (AUS) 2006 (G. by More Than Ready-Nancy Eleanor) - Kitchwin Hills 2008 Magic Millions graduate, sold for  $165,000 - the Manicarto was not the original plan for this bloke, but after his controversial scratching last Saturday, he needs a run and this was his only option leading into the Caulfield Guineas. If he puts his best foot forward, he"ll be there in the finish.

Saturday September 26

Australia
AJC
1:05pm Race 1 Dulcify H. L, A$100000 1800m
Domitian (AUS) 2006 (C. by Rock of Gibraltar-Eishin Maysville) - Sold at the 2007 Magic Millions June Sale as a weanling for $200,000, he was nominated Wed and with the races abandoned due to the dust storm, this was the next option - big ask!

OTHER RUNNERS OF INTEREST

AJC
1:05pm Race 1 Dulcify H. L, A$100000 1800m
Viking Legend (AUS) 2006 (C. by Elvstroem-Innocent Baby) - 2nd to Lovemelikearock, and the word from the stable is that he"s come on from that run! Good luck Neil.

3:28pm Race 5 Bill Ritchie H. Gr.3, A$125000 1400m
Cullen Castle (AUS) 2004 (G. by Danewin-Lady Secola) - goes well fresh - Good luck Grahame & Sue.

4:45pm Race 7 Colin Stephen H. Gr.3, A$150000 2400m
Voice Coach (ire) 2005 (G. by Alhaarth-Drama Class) - tough consistent gelding - and will give this a shake. Good luck Neil.

BRC
2:40pm Race 4 Brisbane Horse Transport P., A$45000 1615m
Future"s Dream (GB) 2003 (G. by Bertolini-Bahawir Pour) - No luck last start,  talented gelding and right in this.