Hock injury dashes Loving Smile’s Queensland Futurity Finals hopes
In a twist of events, Loving Smile, the heat winner and top bookmaker favourite, for the Group 2 Bogie Leigh Queensland Futurity Final (520m) at Albion Park has been sidelined due to an unfortunate hock injury.
This news has left breeder, owner, and trainer Col Graham grappling with disappointment. Loving Smile, who comes from the bloodlines of Hooked On Scotch and Distant Star, displayed her skills Thursday night by securing a stunning victory in her heat with an impressive time of 29.85 seconds.
She left her competitors behind by a margin of seven lengths.
Group 2 Queensland Futurity Heat 2 Race Replay – Loving Smile (29.85)
Adding to her success was the draw in box two for the race, which made her prospects even more promising. However, fate had plans in store.
Graham's initial joy quickly turned into dismay when he noticed that Loving Smile was limping upon returning from Albion Park.
Immediate action was taken.
X-rays confirmed a hairline fracture in her near side hock—an uncommon occurrence, according to Graham.
Despite this setback, Graham remains hopeful and recognises Loving Smiles potential as a star.
Her lineage includes her litter brother King Of Aces, who achieved a victory with a time of 29.54 seconds at Albion Park—an accomplishment that garnered interest from Victoria with a six-figure offer that was ultimately declined.
With the Futurity Final around the corner, it has been announced that Ringbark Rebel, trained by Graham Hall and initially a reserve, will now take the place of Loving Smile in box two.