Injury Ends Australian Derby Winner's Career

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The racing phase of Clangalang's career is over after the reigning Australian Derby (Aust-I) winner was injured in training. Trainer Gerald Ryan was unhappy with the colt's workout on Tuesday and noticed swelling in a suspensory ligament.

He had been about to open his fall campaign, a Hong Kong trip last December aborted when he suffered a loss of form.

Veterinary surgeons at the Randwick Equine Center confirmed that the 4 year-old's injury would require 12 months rest and, after consulting with the colt's 10 owners, it was decided to retire him.

The Janice Thorne-bred Clangalang cost just $18,000 (Australian funds) at a foal sale in Sydney. Queensland owner Mick McDonald signed for him and later put together the partnership.

Clangalang is by sprint sire Clang (by Mr. Prospector son Bellotto) and is the seventh foal from Little Recruit, a grade II winner by English discard Staff Sergeant.

From 20 starts, the colt amassed just over $2 million from six wins and four placings. Apart from his 2,400 meters Derby win at the expense of Strasbourg and subsequent Caulfield Cup (Aust-I) winner Mummify, his other great win was also at Randwick, in the rich Epsom Handicap at 1600 meters last spring.

Stud arrangements are expected to be finalized next month.

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