Last year’s Group 1 South Australian Derby champion Dunkel, has likely run his last race. The accomplished stayer sustained an injury during the Listed Roy Higgins race at Flemington last Saturday, where he finished behind Kiwi stayer Mark Twain.
Jockey Billy Egan exercised caution, slowing Dunkel down in the final 300 meters of the $500,000 event. Post-race assessments by stewards revealed lameness in Dunkel, and subsequent scans confirmed a career-ending prognosis, as shared by trainer Patrick Payne.
The stable conveyed the unfortunate news on Instagram, stating, “Not the result we were hoping for with Dunkel.” The diagnosis outlined a spiral fracture in his cannon and a cracked sesamoid, necessitating surgery for stabilisation. The likelihood of Dunkel returning to the racetrack seems slim.
Despite the disappointing turn of events, Dunkel’s owners expressed gratitude for the journey he provided them. The horse will undergo surgery and receive comprehensive care, ensuring a lifelong home post-recovery.
Dunkel’s career included victories in eight out of 13 starts and earnings exceeding $850,000.