Trot Insider has learned that three-year-old pacer Big Jim is finished for the year and could be retired
from harness racing.
Owner Jim Carr reports that a recent bone scan detected injuries to both of Big Jim's rear ankles. The recommendation is for him to be shut down for 2011, and Carr won't fully know the extent of the injuries until early next week.
"The vets are amazed he even raced given the circumstances," Carr told Trot Insider. "They said the horse must have one hell of a heart."
Carr couldn't fully speculate on Big Jim's future since he doesn't know yet if the colt can completely recover. He understands the horse can be treated but he's unsure as to the possibility of future damage if he races at 4. If unable to race, Carr will stand Big Jim at stud.
Plans were even afoot to race Big Jim in the Inter Dominion as Harness Racing Australia CEO Andrew Kelly had informally invited 2010's Two-Year-Old Colt of the Year to race down under. Those plans have obviously been kiboshed in light of recent events.
Big Jim's career resume stands at 10 wins, 3 seconds and 4 thirds in 20 lifetime starts with over $1.5 million banked a mark of 1:49.1 taken at 2, making him the fastest freshman in harness racing history.
sorry to hear about big jim
sorry to hear about big jim you to phil missing out on your chance to shine (hi Orianna sheck :) )
In reply to sorry to hear about big jim by whosurboy
Yes disappointing for all
Yes disappointing for all the connections of Big Jim! Well hello Rick Merryman! Hope you are well! Where are you these days? I will be in ON Sept 3 to Sept 8th.
I am saddened by the Big Jim
I am saddened by the Big Jim injury. I have a complete understanding of how Jim must feel.The ups are why we are in this game. The downs are heartbreaking. I would like to see him race again, but if not he should make a super sire. Best wishes.
Sorry to hear this. We wish
Sorry to hear this. We wish him a speedy recovery and very good luck to him in the breeding shed.
Ditto. Disappointing, of
Ditto. Disappointing, of course, but best wishes to Big Jim and his connections in his recovery and we look forward to seeing him in the breeding shed.
So sorry to hear this news
So sorry to hear this news on Big Jim. Big Jim has been so great for our industry!! Jim Carr you are a wonderful ambassador of this sport and thank you for sharing your great horse with all of us here in Canada and across the border. We would love to see Big Jim race at 4 but there’s no doubt that Big Jim will be just as great in the breeding shed as he was on the racetrack. I will look forward to watching his babies race for many years to come! Wishing you Good luck and great success in whatever path holds your future. And whatever journey you take Big Jim will always be Canada’s Horse!
In reply to So sorry to hear this news by Orianna SC
Here is praying for a speedy
Here is praying for a speedy recovery, he will prevail no matter what.A true champ.