Manduro captured his fifth victory of the season when easily winning the Prix Foy Gray d’Albion Barriere (Fr-I) at Longchamp Sept. 16.
Jubilation turned to despair soon after the race as it was discovered that the Andre Fabre trainee suffered an injury to his right hind leg. Results of the X-rays won’t be announced until Monday, but reports have circulated that the 5-year-old suffered a fracture in that leg.
Fabre was still awaiting the results late Sunday evening of the X-rays that had been taken, but he acknowledged that Manduro’s career was more than likely over.
“I don’t know the results of the examination yet, but he was lame behind after the race and has probably suffered a small fracture,” Fabre told reporters. “I knew there was a problem a few minutes after the race. It’s a terrible blow, but that’s racing.”
Paul Harley, racing manager for Manduro’s owner, Baron Georg von Ullmann, said, “It doesn’t look good for him. His career might be finished, but we don’t know the extent of the injury yet.”
Despite victories at both one mile and 1 1/4-miles, connections still had some reservations over whether Manduro could get the 1 1/2-mile distance of the Prix Foy. With his stablemate Sommertag entered to ensure that there would a lively pace, Manduro had no trouble fending off champion Mandesha to win easily by 2 1/2-lengths.
Dragon Dancer finished third, another three lengths behind Mandesha. Time for the 12 furlongs was 2:28.8 over the good turf course.
