Trainer loses smart winter performer

Gary Vile’s winter prospects have been dealt a blow with a recurring tendon problem forcing the retirement of his stakes winning mare Anniesstar, who will head to the breeding barn this spring.

“She broke down this (Wednesday) morning so that’s unfortunately the end of her racing career,” the Awapuni trainer said.

“These things happen, but it’s a shame because she looked like she was in for another very good campaign.”

Anniesstar had her third run back from a break in the recent Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup, in which the six-year-old finished a close second.

“She was only a little girl, but she tried hard and she was a great mare for the stable,” Vile said.

Anniesstar won five races and placed seven times with her highlight a victory in the Listed Feilding Cup.

Vile will be hoping to ease the disappointment of losing the daughter of Zed with success at his local meeting on Thursday with My Magician (Spray Specialists Maiden).

“He had a jumping race last Sunday, but the track was a bit slippery for him,” he said.

“I think he will be a real show on the flat and then he’ll go on to the Awapuni Hurdles.”

Prior to his unplaced effort over fences at Hawera, My Magician was third in a distance maiden at Otaki where he was ridden by Ryan Elliot, who has the ride again.

Stablemate Mibachelorboy (Placemakers Handicap) will be resuming after a lengthy break and he is expected to improve with the outing. He is a four race winner in Rating 65 company, but his last success was more than two years ago.