Multiple Group 1 winner Legarto has strained a muscle following her trial at Te Rapa last week, disrupting her spring preparation. Trainers Ken and Bev Kelso were initially pleased with her 900-meter heat victory on Heavy 10 footing but acknowledged that the tough conditions might have contributed to the strain.
As a result, Legarto has been withdrawn from the G1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings. She has been placed on the “quiet list” and sent to a water walker for recovery. The Kelsos expect her to take two to three weeks off to heal. While Ken Kelso emphasised that the injury is “nothing major,” he admitted it is a setback in her spring campaign.
Legarto, who had a standout three-year-old season with victories in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas and G1 Australian Guineas, was originally set for another trial before targeting the Tarzino Trophy. The Kelsos will now reassess her options after her recovery.
“She has strained a muscle, which she probably did at the trials. It is just a setback,” Kelso said. “She has gone to the water walker and will have two to three weeks off.”
While this setback is disappointing, the injury is not severe, and the Kelsos remain hopeful for Legarto’s continued success once she recovers. They plan to reassess her schedule and next steps after her recovery period.
