Alligator Blood vet report revealed as champion galloper’s future hangs in balance

A leading vet has recommended laser therapy to help accelerate the healing in the first crucial period of Alligator Blood’s recovery from injury. READ THE VET REPORT.

Alligator Blood ridden by Tim Clark wins the Neds Might And Power at Caulfield Racecourse on October 14, 2023 in Caulfield, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

The vet report for champion seven-time Group 1 winner Alligator Blood recommends laser therapy in the crucial next six weeks to promote healing of a career-threatening pastern injury.

“Alternatively, consideration could be given to retirement from racing,” the report, penned by Dr Anna Robson, reads.

However, it is understood connections are keen for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained racing freak to have the full rehabilitation period over the next 12 months before making any decision on the seven-year-old’s racing future.

On Monday, after Racenet broke the exclusive news of Alligator Blood’s injury, Waterhouse said she couldn’t be certain whether the superstar horse would ever race again.

The vet report sheds more light on the sad case of Alligator Blood being ruled out of racing for 12 months.

It states Alligator Blood lost a shoe in a Sydney trial last week and was mildly lame which later improved.

But localised swelling then developed in an area in the off fore pastern.

Ultrasonic imaging then revealed a significant legion.

“I recommend that Alligator Blood have a minimum of nine to 12 months spell,” Dr Robson wrote.

“Laser therapy in the acute stage of the injury (the first four to six weeks) may be beneficial in promoting healing of the lesion. Alternatively, consideration could be given to retirement from racing.”

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Alligator Blood with Gai Waterhouse and jockey Tim Clark after winning the Group 1 Might And Power. Picture: Getty Images.

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Laser therapy, when used therapeutically in horses, increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage and triggers cell processes which can accelerate healing.

Waterhouse told Racenet Alligator Blood was a magical horse, right up there with the greats like Grand Armee and Juggler that she has trained in a long and distinguished career.

“Everyone is sad, he is such a special horse,” Waterhouse said.

“I have probably only ever had one or two horses this good. Most horses never win a Group 1 and to win that many, it’s just magical.

“Now, he just needs rest.”

Originally published as Alligator Blood vet report revealed as champion galloper’s future hangs in balance