Awesome Feather, the undefeated winner of the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I), is presently out of training with no set timetable for her to return to competition.
The daughter of Awesome of Course, front-runner for the Eclipse Award in her division on the basis of winning all six of her starts in 2010, has been diagnosed with a tendon “issue” that will likely just require time, according to trainer Chad Brown.
Trained by Stanley Gold for owner-breeder Jacks Or Better Farm, Awesome Feather swept the filly division of Calder Casino & Race Course's Florida Stallion Stakes series during her 2-year-old campaign in which she earned nearly $1.5 million.
Consigned to the Fasig-Tipton November sale by Hidden Brook on behalf of Jacks Or Better Farm owners Fred and Jane Brei, Awesome Feather was purchased by Frank Stronach for $2.3 million.
Brown said the tendon issue was detected not long after the filly arrived at his Palm Meadows barn following her purchase by Stronach. Since her arrival, Awesome Feather has been walking and undergoing therapy.
The trainer said it is unknown how long Awesome Feather will be out of training, although it is not likely that she will be able to return in time for the spring 3-year-old filly races. But he is not totally ruling it out.
“She has an issue with one of her tendons that we’re being cautious about,” Brown said. “We don’t know exactly how long it’s been there. I’m not really sure what’s going to happen, but I would not rule out her going back to the track soon. It’s not looking like she will be back that early (for spring races) but I’m not really going to say she’s not coming back either. We will let the filly dictate what’s going to happen.
“It’s not the best situation but Mr. Stronach told me that at the end of the day, we’re going to do what’s best for the horse.”
Mike Rogers, business manager for Stronach’s Adena Springs operation, said the owner is being “extra cautious” because tendon problems could be career ending. “Hopefully, it is something that needs nothing more than a little bit of time.”