Injury ends Inter Dominion winner’s career

AN OLD injury “flaring up” has ended Maori Law’s career just weeks away from his Inter Dominion title defence.

Successful in last season’s Club Menangle-based edition of the Championship, Maori Law was predicted to be a solid chance of retaining the crown when heats begin in Ballarat on November 26.

Pleased with the trotter’s form this campaign – which netted a win and four seconds from five starts – co-trainer Emmett Brosnan stated Maori Law was progressing well before becoming sore.

A subsequent vet’s examination discovered the nine-year-old had aggravated the area around the medial wing of his off-side front coffin bone.

Mindful of Maori Law’s injury history and age, connections decided to retire the gelding with a record of 21 wins and 22 placings from 64 starts for earnings of $359,874.

Bred and owned by Fred Crews, Maori Law’s last appearance saw him finish second in his Australasian Trotting Championship defence on September 10.

“He had been tracking up well and everything seemed on schedule until we noticed he was sore in his front leg,” said Brosnan, who prepares Maori Law with his father, Richard.

“We had him checked over and found his old injury was flaring up and would keep him sidelined for a long time, so the decision had to be made.

“We could have pushed on and hoped for the best, but his well-being has to come first.

“He has been a special horse to me as he gave me my first Group One win as a trainer when he won the Australasian Trotting Championship last year.

“Really, he’s been special to everyone involved with him and is a horse which will always remain one of my favourites.”