In the world of thoroughbred racing, Friday was anticipated as a significant milestone in the spring preparations of Prowess, a multiple Group One winner. However, it has turned into another frustrating setback for her connections.
An earlier abscess had forced the daughter of Proisir to miss her initial first-up target, the prestigious Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) in Melbourne. Despite this setback, she made a swift recovery.
The Taupo trial on Friday, featuring Group and Listed performers, was meant to serve as her launching pad for a potential return in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders' Stakes (1400m) at Hawera on October 7.
Unfortunately, all spring plans are now hanging in the balance once again.
According to her trainer, James, “She'd trotted up perfectly last night, but when she walked out of her box this morning she was slightly lame. We've since had the farrier come and look at her, and we quickly found the issue.
“It's nothing of any great concern, and I'd probably say there's every chance that she'll work tomorrow. But it's just one of those frustrating things.”
James expressed his frustration, highlighting the significance of the trial for Prowess's preparation.
He continued, “It's fair to say it's been an incredibly frustrating start to her spring. This little setback certainly isn't anything significant at all, just nuisance value. But today's trial was so important for getting her campaign back on track.”
Despite this hiccup, the hope is that Prowess can resume her preparations within the next few days. For now, all that can be said is to “watch this space.”
Prowess emerged as one of the brightest stars in a remarkable crop of New Zealand three-year-olds during the previous season. Her achievements included victories in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) in Sydney, the Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m) against older horses at weight-for-age at Pukekohe, the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1600m), and the Group 2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies' Classic (2000m).
Her exceptional campaign led to her being named the Champion Middle Distance Horse (1601-2200m) for the 2022-23 season at the recent New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards in Auckland.