Injury derails Arty’s Miracle Mile aspirations

OUTSTANDING pacer Lochinvar Art is set to miss the Miracle Mile.

Following a freak incident this morning, Lochinvar Art has been scratched from tonight’s Newcastle Mile.

Under Harness Racing New South Wales rules the David Moran-trained stallion is unable to race for 10 days, meaning he will also miss next week’s Sprints at Club Menangle.

The Newcastle Mile and Club Menangle features are a gateway into the $1million Garrards Miracle Mile on March 6.

“I’m gutted,” Moran said. “Knowing what this means in regards to his Miracle Mile prospects is more painful than a kick in the groin!

“The rule here says you can’t race for 10 days if you’re scratched on the day of the race.

“It’s heart breaking and I don’t why every state is so different…in Victoria it is only seven days.

“This means he can’t go around at Menangle next week in the heats and now the only way he can get into the Miracle Mile is if he is granted a wildcard entry.”

An odds-on favourite for this evening’s Group One, Lochinvar Art injured a hoof while relaxing in his paddock after lunch.

“I put him in a paddock for an hour and it happened out there,” Moran said. “He pulled a shoe and stood on a nail.

“It should only be a minor issue as far as his hoof goes, but has created a major issue for his racing during the next few weeks.

“I’ll give him a few days off now, then look to give him a hard trial next week to keep his fitness up.

“I’ll press ahead as if he is going in the Miracle Mile and hope a miracle can happen for him to get a start.”