Fans of McWicked had been looking forward to watching the reigning horse of the year mix it up in the $100,000 Potomac Pace on Sunday night (Nov. 10) at Rosecroft Raceway. Trainer Casie Coleman was forced to scratch her big gun from the tilt, and she has since explained the reason for the move.
In a post to social media, Coleman explained that she wanted to first apologize to McWicked’s fans that were hoping to see the son of McArdle flex in the Potomac. The race was ultimately won by Endeavor, who battled first over at 11-1 and got up to record a neck win in 1:49.4.
In speaking about McWicked, Coleman wrote that the winner of 40 races and $5.08-million in purses had “been in [New Jersey] over a week and been great. He was great [Sunday morning]. His caretaker went to go get him [later in the day to ship to the track] and he hadn’t ate his lunch (very unusual for ‘Wicked’ – he eats everything). He felt warm, so he checked his temp and he was high – even used a second thermometer, both read the same.”
McWicked, pictured in full flight with driver Brian Sears at the helm.
McWicked is putting the finishing touches on another standout season for SSG Stables of North Boston, NY. The eight-year-old has won six of his 16 starts this campaign, which includes a sizzling 1:47.2 win in the Allerage at the Red Mile. McWicked’s other high profile ’19 victories include the Gerrity at Saratoga Casino Hotel, the Roll With Joe at Tioga Downs, the Ewart at Scioto Downs, and the Dan Rooney at Yonkers Raceway. McWicked has tucked away $1.03-million in earnings this year, which is the third season in which he has banked over $1 million in purses.
“Sadly, we’ve got to do what’s right for him and scratch him tonight,” Coleman wrote in her Sunday posting. “The vet came in on a Sunday, pulled blood and (is) treating his temperature. I’m sure he will hopefully get over this quickly and be able to still go to the TVG.”
Coleman concluded her posting by saying that she cannot recall McWicked having spiked a temperature in all of the years that she has had him in her care.